A friend, a prominent sports journalist, recently contacted me from Abuja to share his intention of leading a national campaign to remove Jose Paseiro, the Portuguese coach of the Super Eagles. He sought my immediate opinion on the matter. However, I prefer not to make hasty decisions or be swayed by emotional outbursts. I declined to offer an opinion at that time, choosing to deliberate on the issue before making any public statement.

I have experienced similar situations in the past and understand the complexities involved. The Super Eagles' recent performance has led to widespread dissatisfaction among the public, with many viewing the team's recent draws as failures. This sentiment has sparked calls for accountability and change.

The challenges facing Nigerian football extend beyond the performance of the national team. The domestic leagues lack essential elements for player development, such as infrastructure, funding, and comprehensive training programs. Consequently, talented players often seek opportunities abroad, weakening the local leagues and hindering the formation of a strong national team.

Foreign coaches, including Paseiro, primarily scout for Nigerian players in European leagues, assembling them for brief periods before matches. This approach hinders the team's ability to develop a cohesive playing style and understanding among players. The limited time for training and team building has been a persistent issue for over a decade.

The constraints are particularly evident in major championships like AFCON and the World Cup, where the team has limited time to train and evolve. The recent transition between Gernot Rohr and Austin Eguavoen during AFCON 2021 exemplifies the challenges of building a cohesive team under such circumstances.

The issues facing the Super Eagles are deeply rooted and require thorough analysis by knowledgeable experts. Knee-jerk reactions and superficial assessments often overshadow meaningful discussions on the team's challenges and potential solutions.

The team currently faces weaknesses in midfield and goalkeeping, areas that require exceptional skills and abilities. The absence of creative midfielders and a reliable goalkeeper has been noticeable in recent matches.

Amidst the disappointment and calls for change, it is essential to approach the situation with composure and careful consideration. Nigeria possesses a pool of talented players, and with patience and strategic planning, the team can progress and potentially succeed in AFCON 2023. This success could provide the confidence and momentum needed to perform strongly in the World Cup qualifying matches.

It is crucial to avoid impulsive decisions and instead focus on nurturing the team's potential. With the return of key players and a well-structured preparation, Nigeria has the opportunity to strengthen its position in African football and qualify for the World Cup.

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