Former Nigeria striker Jonathan Akpoborie slams NFF over delayed squad list for World Cup playoff

Former Nigeria forward Jonathan Akpoborie has taken a swipe at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for delay in announcing Super Eagles squad for the crucial 2026 World Cup playoff.

The West African football heavyweights missed out on automatic World Cup qualification, and are set to participate in a playoff to determine their fate for the tournament to be staged in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The playoff structure sees Nigeria face Gabon, while Cameroon takes on DR Congo. The winners will compete on November 16 for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs.

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has yet to summon his final squad for the playoff in Morocco, six days to the competition.

However, Akpoborie, a 1985 U-16 World Cup winner with the Golden Eaglets and former Bundesliga star with Stuttgart and Wolfsburg has stressed that the delay reflects poor organization in Nigerian football.

“It is typical, typical of Nigeria. They always waste time,” he said on Brila FM. “By now, there should have been an official announcement. What is the NFF waiting for? This delay can be dangerous.”

“Maybe two or three days before the game, you’ll see everyone scrambling to bring in players… Delay is dangerous, that’s the most important thing,” he stated.

The ex-international urged the NFF to improve planning and avoid the usual pattern of rushed preparations. He warned that consistent administrative lapses could continue to cost Nigeria success on the international stage.