AFCON Masks Deeper Crisis – Sodje

Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje has stirred controversy by saying Nigeria’s qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations is hiding problems in the country’s football system. He criticised poor results and administration.

He said, “I’m not happy that we are going to the AFCON because I see it as a distraction… I still hope the team performs well at the tournament.”

Nigeria recently failed to qualify for a second straight FIFA World Cup, underlining declining standards. Sodje added, “I wish we were not going to the competition so we could focus on fixing our football… it is the truth… the tournament serves as a distraction from reality.”