Former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana believes representing Nigeria no longer carries the same weight it once did, insisting the national team must rediscover its identity after missing two consecutive FIFA World Cups.
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after losing to Ghana on the away-goals rule before also missing out on the 2026 tournament, extending their absence from football’s biggest stage.
While the back-to-back failures have been met with disappointment, Olofinjana believes they have forced Nigerian football to confront long-standing issues.
He argued that qualifying for either tournament could have delayed the changes the national team desperately needs.
“I like a lot of what is happening in the backend of not going to two World Cups because I think if we had gone to the two, we will still be where we are,” Olofinjana said.
According to the former midfielder, Nigeria has too often relied on its abundance of talent and resources instead of building sustainable structures for long-term success.
“Nigeria is such a wealthy country, a lot of the time, we solve all these problems without any preparation. It has given us an opportunity to reflect on our national team, what are we doing? What does the green-white-green mean?”
Olofinjana believes that reflection must begin with restoring the prestige of representing the country, claiming the significance of wearing the famous green and white jersey has diminished over the years.
“The Super Eagles shirt is no longer heavy, it used to be heavy when we wore it.”
He added that players must understand the responsibility that comes with representing Nigeria, insisting success cannot be built on individual motivation alone.
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“A lot of what they do when they wear the shirt is self-motivation and collective responsibility. If anybody is going to be in the World Cup, they have to know what they are doing.”
Olofinjana pointed to Morocco as an example of what can be achieved through continuity, planning and a clear football philosophy.
“Morocco did it last time, they did it again this time.”
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