Former Nigeria international Obafemi Martins has delivered a blunt assessment of the Super Eagles’ struggles, insisting that coaching changes alone cannot fix the team’s woes. In an interview , Martins argued that the team’s fate in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers lies more in player commitment and effort than in managerial adjustments.
The ex-striker, who enjoyed a globe-trotting career with clubs like Inter Milan, Rubin Kazan, Newcastle United, and Seattle Sounders, pointed out that constant coaching rotations won’t translate into better results. He expressed scepticism over the recent appointment of Eric Gelle, noting that even the best tactical instructions can’t substitute for on-field discipline and hard work.
“The coach will say do this, but you do something else and sometimes it works,” Martins said, calling on players to take greater responsibility. He emphasised the need for unity, hard work, and resilience if Nigeria is to recover from its poor start to the qualifiers and avoid missing a second consecutive World Cup.
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Now a fan, Martins concluded, “I want to watch Nigeria at the World Cup… but it’s not by mouth!”
Editorial
Obafemi Martins’ words strike a chord that resonates far beyond the walls of the Nigeria Football Federation. At the heart of his message is a truth long echoed by fans and football thinkers alike talent alone isn’t enough. Coaching changes, no matter how frequent or high-profile, will do little if the players on the pitch aren’t fully invested.
Nigeria’s problem is not a lack of quality. It’s the lack of cohesion, of identity, and sometimes of urgency. The Super Eagles have often relied on individual brilliance instead of collective purpose, and the cracks are beginning to show. Martins is right to highlight that no coach, no matter how tactical, can perform magic without buy-in from the squad.
His comments also raise questions about player motivation and mental toughness. Are we cultivating a team hungry for glory, or one coasting on reputation? Because qualifying for the World Cup isn’t a birthright—it’s earned through grit, humility, and consistency.
Martins is a fan now, but he speaks like someone who’s worn the badge with pride. The Super Eagles would do well to listen.
Did You Know?
- Obafemi Martins scored 18 goals in 42 appearances for the Super Eagles between 2004 and 2015.
- He remains the youngest Nigerian to debut in a UEFA Champions League match, doing so at 18 for Inter Milan.
- Nicknamed “Obagol,” he once held the record for Nigeria’s fastest international goal (31 seconds vs. Senegal in 2006).
- Nigeria has missed only one FIFA World Cup since their debut in 1994—failing to qualify for the 2006 edition.
- The Super Eagles are currently six points behind South Africa in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group.
