Former Shooting Stars Sports Club coach Fatai Amoo has criticized the state of Nigerian football, citing the poor performance of Nigerian national teams as evidence of regression.

Amoo Calls For Immediate Reforms

Ina chat with Brila FM, Amoo called for immediate reforms and a long-term, youth-focused rebuild for the national team ahead of 2030. 

He also blamed the condition of pitches in some part of the country and also said there is a need for leaders to address long-standing issues.

“I think our football is retrogressing in terms of players and results,” Amoo said.

Read Also:Portugal, Poland Friendlies Will Bring Out The Best In Eagles –Ex-Internationa

“For me, I have tried my best. You do your best and leave the rest. Nobody can be champion forever. From my understanding, the reason why we aren’t doing well is that we have left so many things undone, and we aren’t trying to do it right — especially those that are taking charge of football in Nigeria today,” he said.

“And of course, it’s the Nigeria Football Federation, isn’t it? I think if we can go back and look at what and what have we not done well, and try to correct them, I think we will bounce back.

“For example, we want to talk about our football pitches, especially at the national level. You’re talking about hosting, most of the time they say Nigeria doesn’t have the pitches. It’s part of our problems. It shouldn’t be that.”

Why Chelle Must Follow In Arteta’s Blueprint

He also charged the Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, to rebuild the team ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Amoo noted that Nigeria can follow the same blueprint as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta if the team must be successful.

“Now we should get our bed ready first to make sure they (senior players) feature in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, and for us to qualify. That’s very important we can’t gamble with that.

Read Also:Meet 12 New Super Eagles Call-Ups For Unity Cup 2026

“Those playing who have established themselves in the national team, we know what they can do.

“When we qualify then we will start looking for both Nigerian players home and abroad, it won’t be bad if we take a gamble every now and then during the qualifiers; introducing one or two new players at least in the squad even if not starting.

“But we must ensure we qualify first and we have the players to qualify in the group we have found ourselves if we don’t joke with it.”