Isaac Success Criticises NFF Over Super Eagles’ World Cup Qualifying Struggles
Isaac Success has criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the poor handling of the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Speaking in a no-holds-barred interview with Home Turf, the forward suggested that the football authorities, not just the players and coaches, should take responsibility for the team’s struggles.
Nigeria faces an uphill battle to qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with only four matches left in the qualifiers. The Super Eagles have fallen behind South Africa, who now lead the group by six points after a 2-0 win over Benin in Abidjan. Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in Uyo has only increased pressure on the team, with many blaming coach Eric Chelle, captain William Troost-Ekong, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
However, Success believes the problem goes deeper than individual performances. He questioned whether the NFF had put the right structures in place before hiring Chelle and warned against putting all the blame on the new coach.
“Do we have a structure before Eric Chelle was appointed? That’s the first question,” Success said. “If he’s coming with his own philosophy, do we have the players to fit in? You shouldn’t put all the blame on him. You should also blame the players, the staff, and even the NFF because everyone is at fault.”
The former Watford striker also spoke about the intense pressure Super Eagles players face from Nigerian fans, noting that heavy criticism affects their performance and confidence.
“Nigerians, if they come for you, you will deactivate your account and run away from the country immediately,” he said. “That’s what we have been facing for years in the Super Eagles.”
Success also weighed in on the debate about Victor Osimhen’s role in the team, stressing that the squad needs to develop more reliable strikers.
“You said if Osimhen doesn’t play, no one else can score. He has built confidence because he has been with the Super Eagles for a while. He takes most of his chances. Another striker needs time to build that confidence too, so we can have two solid strikers.”
He further emphasised the importance of team unity, stating that Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes depend on all players understanding their roles.
“If six players don’t know what they are doing, it rubs off on the whole team. Two or three players – we don’t need to mention names – didn’t know why they were on the pitch, and it affected everyone.”
Success also pointed out that the Super Eagles have relied too much on individual brilliance rather than a clear team strategy.
“We have been going forward because of individual brilliance. If we focus on teamwork, with the quality of players we have, we can achieve great things.”
A U-17 World Cup winner with the Golden Eaglets in 2013, Success has not played for Nigeria since 2018. However, his comments will likely spark discussions about the NFF’s role in the Super Eagles’ struggles and whether changes need to be made to improve the team’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
