Ogenyi Onazi calls for complete overhaul of Nigerian football

Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi says Nigerian football needs “total restructuring and total rehabilitation”, arguing that the country’s current generation of players is too talented to be producing such inconsistent results.

Speaking on Brila FM’s breakfast programme No Holds Barred on 88.9 FM, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner said fundamental changes were required across the game rather than a series of minor adjustments.

“Our football needs total restructuring and total rehabilitation. That’s the best thing that can happen for our football to get in place,” Onazi said.

The former Lazio and Trabzonspor midfielder pointed to problems across the football system, including youth development, coaching pathways, administration, infrastructure and the professional environment around the national teams.

Onazi believes those weaknesses are preventing Nigeria from turning individual ability into sustained international success. He said the cycle of high expectations followed by disappointment would continue without a deeper reform of the game.

“This Super Eagles team is one of the most talented groups of young players put together. Even in our time, we didn’t have this kind of talent. Something must be wrong somewhere,” he said.

The 33-year-old’s assessment carries particular weight because he was part of one of Nigeria’s most successful recent teams. He came through the My People academy and the Nigerian lower leagues before moving into European football, where he won the Coppa Italia with Lazio in 2013 and the Turkish Cup with Trabzonspor.

Onazi earned more than 50 caps for Nigeria and scored once for the national team. He played in every match at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where his tournament ended after a serious injury in the Round of 16 against France.

Before being forced off, he had produced a strong individual performance while facing midfielders Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi. He was also in the squad that won the AFCON title in South Africa in 2013, Nigeria’s last continental triumph, and was included in the 2018 World Cup squad in Russia.

His comments contrast the ability available to the Super Eagles with their recent record. Nigeria have continued to produce highly rated attackers and midfielders who perform at leading European clubs, but qualification difficulties, early tournament departures and uncertainty over team cohesion have hampered the national side.

Onazi’s criticism focused on the structure around the players rather than a lack of talent. His call for change covers preparation, selection, tactical direction, leadership and the wider football environment.

Having experienced both continental success and European club football, Onazi said a complete rebuild was necessary if Nigeria’s emerging players were to fulfil their potential and restore the Super Eagles to the level expected of them.

The remarks were also discussed on Hard Tackle with Anthony Bekederemo, Femi, Joseph and Adebanjo, presented by Adebanjo Ogunseye, an experienced sports journalist covering Nigerian and African sports for Brila Media.