AFCON 2023 MVP Troost-Ekong, Aina spared as Nigerian legend Odegbami tears into Super Eagles players over lack of quality

In a scathing assessment, legendary Nigerian footballer Segun Odegbami has shone a spotlight on the country's alarming lack of exceptional talent across various positions in the national team.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that the remark from the 1980 AFCON star and winner comes after watching with disappointment the Super Eagles’ disastrous 2026 FIFA WCQ outings.

Writing his latest Vanguard column, the Green Eagles superstar noted that the lack of quality has been an issue bedevilling the country for over a decade before laying into the goalkeeping department.

He was particularly critical of the goalkeeping situation, questioning the decision of two foreign coaches to persistently stick with a keeper who was "glaringly short on safe-hands."

The full-back positions have also been a cause for concern, with only Ola Aina demonstrating consistent brilliance down the right flank according to him. 

In contrast, the left side has been a weak link, so much so that Aina has had to be deployed there on occasion to cover the deficiencies.

“Only Ola Aina has shown consistency and exceptional brilliance down the right-side of the field over several years,” he further stated.

Odegbami also highlighted the weakness in the centre of Nigeria's defence, praising William Troost-Ekong for stepping up and providing leadership during the recent AFCON 2023 tournament. 

However, the veteran's assessment was clear - "There are no bona fide Central defenders currently in the Nigerian team."

In the midfield, Odegbami acknowledged the presence of talented players like Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi but quickly added that their inability to match the quality of the country's past greats, Henry Nwosu, Jay Jay Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, and Kanu Nwankwo is a big problem.

Even in the forward line, where Nigeria boasts an array of talented players, Odegbami noted a "serious deficit" in goalscoring, a far cry from the country's illustrious past, which included the likes of Finidi George.

Odegbami's scathing assessment paints a concerning picture of the state of Nigerian football, with the once-abundant pool of exceptional talent seemingly dwindling. 

The legendary player has called for urgent action to address this crisis, as the country seeks to reclaim its position as a football powerhouse in Africa and beyond.