Barrister Christopher Green, former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Committee, has delivered a scathing assessment of the Super Eagles’ recent loss to the Leopards of DR Congo, challenging the notion that Nigeria “lost gallantly.”

 

Speaking after the dramatic 4–3 penalty shootout defeat in Rabat, Green insisted that DR Congo were clearly the superior side, dominating Nigeria in the second half and extra time.

 

“How can anyone say we lost gallantly? Congo was clearly the better side. They punished us throughout the second half and at extra time. They made the Super Eagles look ordinary and ugly. They won every ball in these halves. We were riding on luck and assistance without being excellent,” Green said.

 

He went on to call for urgent reforms in Nigerian football, criticizing systemic issues that he believes undermine the country’s sporting success.

 

“We should be serious and take our football very seriously. What were you doing in the prevalence of corruption, incompetence, lack of capacity and education, indiscipline, ethnicity, nepotism, favouritism and hatred? How many people run our football? How is sports in general faring in Nigeria? Everybody must be made to account. Enough of excuses,” he added.

 

Green’s remarks reflect growing frustration among former officials and fans alike, who argue that Nigeria’s football institutions must be overhauled to restore the nation’s competitive edge on the international stage.