Ex-international seems to have found their voices since Nigeria started struggling to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles have failed to impress the fans and are on the verge of missing their second consecutive World Cup.
Former Mali manager Eric Chelle was given the mandate to secure the tickets in the 2026 CAF qualification group C but is struggling to meet Nigerian's expectations.
The 47-year-old has been able to secure eight out of 12 points in the World Cup qualifiers, securing two wins against Rwanda.
Former Super Eagles defender Eric Ejiofor has blamed the current players for not taking their chances during the early games of the World Cup qualifiers.
In a viral video on X, the former Enyimba star said the approach of the players toward the matches are not encouraging.
“It is so sad because their attitude towards games isn’t encouraging. Let us remove the aspect of the NFF, you as a footballer…”
— Sports Radio Brila FM (@Brilafm889) September 17, 2025
Former Nigeria international, Eric Ejiofor slams the attitude of some Super Eagles players as a factor behind Nigeria’s World Cup qualification woes. pic.twitter.com/trOfH4FVAL
Ejiofor said he has lost hope in Nigeria making it to the World Cup next year after their inability to win Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, last March.
He said:
"The players failed to use the opportunity when it was presented to them. Now that the chances are slim, we want to start hoping and praying.
"I don't think that these current players understand that they are competing to play in the biggest football tournament in the world (FIFA World Cup). Many of the players haven't gone to the Mundial, and this would have been their first time."
Former Maccabi Haifa star said one of the biggest problems of the current Super Eagles is lack of teamwork. According to Soccernet, the 46-year-old explained that the attitude of the players toward training is uncalled for.
He said:
"The players have to think about their future and career. The attitude of the players coming to the training camp is not encouraging. Some of the players stroll into camp on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to do only two training sessions and they want to play a match.
"Football is all about teamwork, we are not playing as a team, and I won't keep my hope high. I removed my mind that we will be going to the World Cup."
Nigeria are in third position with 11 points in the 2026 CAF qualification group C, per TnTSports.
