‘We must change our approach’: Sodje calls for review; warns current system has failed Nigerian football

Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje has called for a complete rethink of the structure of Nigerian football, insisting the current approach has failed to achieve significant results.

READ ALSO: Dream come true: ‘A proud moment for my family’: Otele delighted with Eagles call-up as he contemplates the impact

While acknowledging that the Super Eagles showed flashes of promise during the recent four-nation friendly tournament in Antalya, Turkey, Sodje believes such performances cannot mask the deeper issues plaguing Nigerian football.

“It was a decent outing,” he admitted, noting that the team showed some positives during the matches. However, he was quick to point out that the overall picture remains worrying.

For Sodje, the failure to qualify for the World Cup is the clearest indication that something is fundamentally wrong.

“We can’t ignore that,” he emphasized, emphasizing that short-term performances should not distract from long-term failures.

The former defender argued that Nigeria needs a new approach, one that addresses structural weaknesses and focuses on sustainable development rather than temporary solutions.

According to him, the current system has not given the desired results and continuing with the same methods will only lead to repeated disappointments.

“This system doesn’t work,” he implied, calling for bold decisions and new ideas.

Sodje specifically addressed his appeal to the Technical Committee of the Nigerian Football Federation, urging them to take responsibility and lead the process of change.

He believes the committee must play a more active role in shaping the direction of Nigerian football, from player development to tactical identity and long-term planning.

“Do better,” he urged, highlighting the need for accountability.

For fans, Sodje’s comments reflect a growing demand for reform, a desire for Nigerian football to move beyond recurring problems and build a system capable of consistent success.

As the Super Eagles prepare for future competitions, the pressure is now on those responsible to respond.

Because, as Sodje warns, without changes, the result will remain the same.

And for a nation with Nigeria’s football heritage, that is simply not acceptable.