Former Super Eagles captain and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner Segun Odegbami has questioned the decision to retain the current Nigeria Football Federation leadership, calling for a fresh direction ahead of next month’s NFF elections.

Odegbami believes Nigerian football needs a serious conversation about its future before stakeholders proceed with another election cycle.

The NFF elective congress is scheduled to take place next month in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where incumbent president Ibrahim Gusau is expected to seek a second four-year term.

Speaking on the state of Nigerian football, Odegbami criticised what he described as a recurring leadership pattern and urged stakeholders to consider alternative leadership.

“There are so many things that are wrong. We need to have a serious conversation before they jump into elections that we have seen already,” Odegbami said.

The former Green Eagles captain also questioned the performance of the current administration, particularly against the backdrop of Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“They did not take us to the World Cup. They should not be there.

That’s what we are saying.

“Let’s get other people to task.”

Odegbami stressed that his position was not motivated by personal disagreements with members of the federation but by his desire to see Nigerian football develop.

“We are all friends. It’s not about personalities; it’s about the interest of Nigeria.

“Let’s take this decision in the interest of the people, in the interest of the clubs, and not in the interest of those who are perpetuating themselves in office. That’s what we are saying,” he added.

The forthcoming NFF election is expected to generate significant interest within Nigerian football, with Gusau seeking another term amid calls from some stakeholders for changes in the federation’s leadership and administration.

The current administration has faced criticism over several issues, including the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and concerns surrounding the management and development of domestic football.

However, the period has also produced notable achievements, including Nigeria’s runners-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and the Super Falcons’ triumph at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Odegbami’s comments are likely to add further intensity to the debate ahead of the Lafia congress, with stakeholders expected to decide whether Nigerian football is better served by continuity under Gusau or a change in leadership.

The central question ahead of the election remains whether the NFF should maintain its current direction or embrace a new leadership approach capable of restoring Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s leading football nations.