By Daily Sports on April 4, 2016
Former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu has criticised the Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) leadership which he says contributed to the national team failing to qualify for two consecutive Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria’s loss in Egypt ruled them out of contention for Gabon 2017, leaving Kanu upset with the NFF.
“What is happening with Nigerian football is that the top management is not what it is supposed to be so what is below is being affected,” Kanu told BBC Sport exclusively from Uganda.
Ex-Arsenal forward Kanu was in Uganda as an ambassador for both Unicef and Chinese cable station TV StarTimes, helping to market Ugandan players to the Chinese Premier League.
He said the Nigeria Federation has to change its style of leadership if Nigeria are to achieve success.
“When the head is not right, even your body won’t be right,” said Kanu.
The two time African footballer of the year said it was a huge loss for Nigeria – who also failed to qualify for Equatorial Guinea in 2015 – to miss another Africa Cup of Nations.
“When we are not at the Nations Cup, it’s not the same,” said Kanu.
Kanu also highlighted the instability surrounding Nigeria coaches.
Samson Siasia was placed in temporary charge of the Super Eagles for the Egypt qualifiers following the resignation of Sunday Oliseh.
As the NFF search for a permanent successor to Oliseh, Kanu maintained it is worth persisting with a local coach.
“Look at Stephen Keshi, he won the nations Cup and led the Super Eagles to the last 16 at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil,” Kanu explained.
During his time in Uganda, Kanu had the opportunity to play football with children in Katanga, and saw some local matches.
“I watched a game between KCCA FC and SC Villa in the 2016 Star Times Cup a few days ago and I saw a lot of talent that can go to the professional level.”
•Credit (except headline): BBC. Photo shows Kanu playing with Ugandan children in Katanga.
Source Daily Sports
Posted April 4, 2016
You may also like...
Quadri eyes Nigeria Open
10-Man Southampton Draw Spurs 1-1
Harry Kane: Tottenham Left Reeling By Reports Striker...
Enyimba turn back Djoliba in CAF Confederation Cup...
Rivers Angels TM Matilda to NFF: 'Save Women...
Why Arsenal loanee Nwakali is not a regular...
Onuachu lacks rhythm in Eagles setup – Lawal
Ukah faces Osigwe in historic all-Nigerian PFL clash
UCL: Lookman set for Atletico return against Barca
Organisers brace for National Schools Football tourney
Semi Final Teams Emerge As Coast Clear For Final Ceremony Of 7th U-13 JOF Kids Cup Tournament
Okoye keeps seventh clean sheet in Como draw
Nnadozie relishes FA Cup progress
Akpokona recovering well, doesn’t need assistance – Son
NOC Plans To Mark 2026 Olympic Day On June 27
Onojuvwevwo sets world lead as Ogundiran breaks NAIA record
Ethiopians sweep top spots in Yenagoa 10km race
Remo, 3SC rekindle South West derby in Ikenne
Most Read
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,688 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (55,009 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (52,927 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,529 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,458 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,364 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,223 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,767 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (50,954 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,463 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,867 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,339 views)