‘You cannot keep failing’ – Sam Sodje links Nigeria’s World Cup failure to transfer struggles of Super Eagles

Former Nigeria international Sam Sodje believes the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the World Cup has contributed significantly to the absence of Nigerian players from this summer’s ten most expensive transfers.

Speaking to Soccernet.ng, the former Brentford and Reading defender said the issue goes beyond individual players, arguing that Nigeria’s struggles on the international stage have weakened the global perception and marketability of its footballers.

Sodje was responding to questions about the lack of Nigerian representation among the biggest transfers of the summer and whether that reflected poorly on how the market values players from the country.

“To be fair, I am not going to blame the player for not being in the top ten,” he said. “I am not even sure any player moves to a proper top team, Nigerian players or African players, but listen, we are always praying for the players to do well.”

The former defender contrasted Nigeria’s situation with that of other African countries, where stronger football structures and international performances have helped players secure high-value moves.

“Some windows are not for Nigerian players or African players, but you can see the planning from other African countries. You can see why most of the players are moving big, big money.”

Sodje believes the national team’s fortunes are closely connected to the opportunities available to players at club level, insisting that repeated failures to qualify for the World Cup have consequences far beyond the tournament itself.

“It reflects on what is going on in Nigeria, where Nigerian football is internationally as well. And let us not hide the fact that if you do not do well in your national team, it is always hard for your players to go places.”

He pointed to players who impressed at the World Cup and subsequently attracted major transfers as evidence of the connection between international exposure and club opportunities.

“You can see the players that did well in the World Cup, they are all getting big moves. So yeah, it is disappointing, but at the same time, we just have to fix our football, and I am sure in the nearest future we will get some players moving for big money.”

‘It is a huge problem’

Asked specifically whether Nigeria’s failure to reach the World Cup had suppressed the transfer values of its players, Sodje offered an emphatic response.

“One hundred per cent, one hundred per cent,” he said.

“You cannot keep failing and expect your players to move, not just the players that will go to the World Cup, just the background of a Nigerian. Whenever Nigerians do well, we all benefit from it because you get more attention on Nigerian players.”

According to Sodje, the impact extends to the next generation, making Nigeria’s development system just as important as the senior national team.

“Not going to the World Cup on the bounce has affected our players, has affected Nigerian players, not just the ones that will go to the World Cup.”

He called for a broader overhaul of Nigerian football, stressing the importance of restoring the country’s reputation across youth and senior levels.

“So yes, to answer your question about if it is a big problem, it is a huge problem, and that is why we have to make sure not just the World Cup, even the twenties and the twenty-ones, we need to get Nigeria back on track of producing good players.”

Arokodare move impresses Sodje

While Nigerian players did not dominate the summer’s biggest deals, Sodje identified Tolu Arokodare’s move to Ajax as one of the positive developments.

He also expressed disappointment that Wilfred Ndidi remained at Besiktas rather than securing a move to a club operating at a higher level.

“When it comes to Nigerian players, I did not really look at anyone that much, but the guy going to Ajax was a good one,” he said of Arokodare.

“I expected Ndidi to move, but that did not happen, but I really wanted him to move to somewhere else where he can play more games and maybe more games where we can see him play in a bigger, higher level. That did not happen.”

Sodje backs Osimhen’s Galatasaray stay

Sodje also defended Victor Osimhen’s decision to remain at Galatasaray despite interest from clubs in Europe’s major leagues.

“Coming from an ex-player, he has made the right move because he knows what he is doing,” Sodje said.

“I do not know why he made the move or why he is making decisions until you know, because I was in that position before. You just never know what is going on.”

He believes Osimhen’s performances justify the decision, although he suggested financial considerations may have prevented a transfer.

“He has been doing well. He has been scoring goals. He has been making his name. Everyone wants to sign him. Then there is something wrong. Maybe they do not want to pay the money or something else. But when it comes to the talent, he has made the right move.”

Sodje added that the striker must also have the right support around him as his career develops.

“I just hope he has the right people around him and they try and mentor him so that his behaviour will be better.”

Spain or England? Sodje gives his verdict

On Obafemi Martins’ preference for Osimhen to join a Spanish club rather than the Premier League, Sodje acknowledged the former striker’s argument while defending England’s top flight.

“What Martins was trying to say is it will suit his game better if he goes to the Spanish league because he is more technical, he is more ball on the floor.”

However, Sodje remains convinced Osimhen could thrive in England.

“If he comes to the Premier League, I still feel it will fit in because the way he plays his game, his never-die attitude, he will fit in. He always wants to run. He works hard, will definitely fit in.”

He nevertheless admitted that a move to Spain’s biggest clubs would carry enormous appeal.

“You go to Barcelona, for example, you cannot beat that move. That move is a big move.”