Okocha Calls for New Ideas in Nigerian Football Administration

Austin Jay Jay Okocha, the former captain of the Super Eagles, has expressed the urgent need for fresh ideas and new structures in Nigerian football. Speaking on a Brila FM sports programme, Okocha criticized the current setup of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the impending Normalisation Committee, stating that little progress can be made under the existing conditions.

He highlighted that past recommendations for restructuring the NFF have been ignored, which hampers effective administration. Okocha emphasized that it is unfair to expect him or other ex-internationals to contribute if they cannot operate optimally within a flawed system.

He recounted his experience with the Delta Football Association, where he resigned due to the prevailing issues. Okocha pointed out the negative impact of the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for consecutive World Cups and the Super Falcons' absence from the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Brazil, stressing that these setbacks are damaging to Nigerian football.

He concluded that improving football administration is achievable with the right people in place.