A new national culture of mediocrity is sweeping through Nigerian football. Nigeria lost to Morocco in the semi-finals on penalties. In AFCON 2023, the Eagles lost 2-1 to the Ivory Coast in the final, marking a further decline in their continental football fortunes. Still, the Morocco result presents a major dilemma for the Ibrahim Gusau-led Nigeria Football Federation: Chelle’s fate. With the talent at its disposal, Nigeria should be a leader in African, albeit, world football.

Source: Punch January 21, 2026 08:03 UTC