Former Enyimba International and Super Eagles goalkeeper Idah Peterside has called for administrative reform in Nigerian and African football, Soccernet.ng reports.
The three-time AFCON Champions rekindled their dreams of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by putting four goals past the Republic of Benin on the final qualifier matchday two days ago.
Up next is the African play-offs that’ll see Nigeria lock horns against Gabon in Morocco next month.
However, the Super Eagles were able to qualify due to the three-points deduction suffered by South Africa after they fielded an ineligible Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho.
Peterside mentioned that errors like the one Bafana Bafana made could’ve been avoided if competent people were in charge.
“It’s leadership, we must get it right. I’m not saying they should bring ex-players or professionals, but African football must be run professionally,” the 51-year-old said in an interview with Soccer Beat.
“You don’t hear about such things in Europe, because everyone who is asked to do a job does it very well.”
Nigeria accrued four points from their first four World Cup qualifying games. While they’re now in the play-offs, Peterside mentioned things could’ve been better if the right measures had been put in place.
“In Africa, something is not right with us. We don’t want to do things the right way, and it’s costing us a lot.
“Now, the World Cup is coming in a year. Is this not the time to begin to negotiate with the players? To discuss camping and training?
“These things should have been mapped out. There are times, dates and locations already mapped out by FIFA once a World Cup spot is secure.
“These things should be gotten right, so when the World Cup starts, it won’t be the time for the players to lock themselves in a room and not go out because their bonuses have not been paid for two years. Clear these things out and give these players a good frame of mind.”
Should Nigeria make it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on North American soil, the footballer-turned-pastor made it clear that only those who played a part in the qualifiers should make the final squad.
“All the rejects in Europe want to know they are Africans once it’s time for the World Cup. Then they remember their great ancestors are from Africa.
“It shouldn’t be after others have paid the price to qualify. These strangers should stay in their country and not destabilise what others have worked for.
“The guys who have worked should eat. They should be compensated,” Idah concluded.
From Eric Chelle’s most recent squad, only William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi were a part of Gernot Rohr’s 23-man team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. This means most of the players are hungry to make their first appearance on the world stage.
