‘Something is not right with us’ - Ex-Super Eagles player ask for reform within NFF

Nigeria struggled during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, having failed to secure an automatic ticket to the tournament.

They ended up in second place in their group, losing by a point difference to South Africa, who claimed the automatic ticket.

However, they managed to get into the World Cup playoffs on the last day of their qualifying game after defeating Benin 4-0.

Peterside has pointed to Super Eagles' struggles as a clear example of administrative failure that is all too common on the continent.

"It's leadership, we must get it right," the 51-year-old stated in an interview with Soccer Beat. "I'm not saying they should bring ex-players or professionals, but African football must be run professionally. 

“You don't hear about such things in Europe, because everyone who is asked to do a job does it very well."

"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," he lamented.

While the Super Eagles are now set to face Gabon in the African play-offs next month, Peterside believes the team's journey could have been smoother with better planning from the outset.