Former Super Eagles striker Victor Anichebe has taken aim at the Nigeria Football Federation after the national team failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria’s hopes were dashed on Sunday night in Rabat, where Eric Chelle’s men lost 4-3 on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African playoff final.

The defeat confirmed a second straight World Cup absence for the Super Eagles.

Anichebe calls for accountability

Reacting on social media, Anichebe criticised the NFF’s leadership and strategic direction, stressing that meaningful progress requires long-term focus rather than short-term fixes.

“Real change demands selflessness, long-term thinking, and building foundations that won’t produce instant rewards,” he wrote on Instagram.

He added that Nigeria must begin “serious conversations that lead to serious decisions” if the national team is to return to global relevance.

Attention turns to AFCON 2025

With the World Cup dream over, the Super Eagles now switch focus to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which kicks off next month.