Why No Team Fears the Super Eagles Anymore – Nigeria’s Atlanta ’96 Gold Medalist
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Former Nigerian international Abiodun Obafemi has expressed concerns over the Super Eagles’ diminishing reputation, attributing it to the team’s inconsistency despite their immense talent and market value.
Obafemi, a defender who spent much of his career in Germany, was part of Nigeria’s historic gold medal-winning squad at the 1996 Olympics.
With two caps for the national team, he remains passionate about Nigerian football.
Speaking about the Super Eagles’ recent performances, Obafemi shared his thoughts on the team’s struggles despite topping their group in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers with 11 points.
The qualifiers concluded on a bittersweet note, as Nigeria suffered a 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in their final group game, shattering their unbeaten run and leaving fans at the Godswill Akpabio stadium heartbroken.
The Super Eagles started brightly, with Samuel Chukwueze scoring the opener. However, Rwanda responded with two quick goals, turning the game on its head and exposing the fragility of the Nigerian team.
In an interview with Brila.net, Obafemi lamented the lack of fear factor that once defined Nigerian football. According to him, opposing teams no longer dread facing the Super Eagles, as they perceive the team as inconsistent and lacking commitment.
“The fear factor is no longer there now, there is no team coming to Nigeria now that will not believe they have a chance of beating us and that is a minus for us,” he said.
Obafemi emphasized the need for a change in mindset and structure to restore the respect the Super Eagles once commanded.
“We expected so much from these guys based on their performances with their clubs, but when they come to Nigeria, they do what they cannot in their teams.
It’s a very big concern. They must be competitive. I don’t understand why they are selecting games.”
He added that the Super Eagles must rediscover their identity and competitiveness to reclaim their dominance in African football.
With no international fixtures until 2025, the three-time African champions will need to regroup before resuming their World Cup qualifying campaign in March.
However, the road ahead looks daunting, as Nigeria currently sits fifth in their group with just three points.
