They Always Waste Time – Akpoborie Slams NFF Over Delayed Squad List for World Cup Playoffs

Former Super Eagles forward Jonathan Akpoborie has criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for delaying the release of the national team’s squad list for the 2026 World Cup playoffs. He warned that the federation’s “typical” lateness could affect the team’s performance.

Akpoborie, a 1985 U-16 World Cup winner with the Golden Eaglets and former Bundesliga star with Stuttgart and Wolfsburg, said the delay reflects poor organisation in Nigerian football. “It is typical, typical of Nigeria. They always waste time,” he said on Brila FM. “By now, there should have been an official announcement. What is the NFF waiting for? This delay can be dangerous.”

He added that such last-minute decisions have long hindered the country’s football development. “Maybe two or three days before the game, you’ll see everyone scrambling to bring in players… Delay is dangerous, that’s the most important thing,” he stated.

The ex-international urged the NFF to improve planning and avoid the usual pattern of rushed preparations. He warned that consistent administrative lapses could continue to cost Nigeria success on the international stage.

The Super Eagles will compete in a World Cup playoff tournament in Rabat, Morocco, facing Gabon, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nigeria begins its campaign with a semi-final clash against Gabon on Thursday, November 13, at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex.