The recent trend of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) media unit announcing squad selections only two days before the opening of camp is becoming increasingly familiar. What was once considered an irregularity is now being viewed as the new norm in Nigerian football, prompting concerns about its long-term implications for the management of the sport and its overall performance. Interestingly, local media reports indicate that the players selected for the upcoming matches have already received itineraries for their arrival at the camp. This information has not reached the broader Nigerian football community, where there is a prevailing belief that the NFF should adopt practices similar to other teams globally, who released their squad lists last week and provided opportunities for press conferences to discuss player selections and omissions.
This isn’t the first instance of the NFF being criticized for last-minute squad announcements. Over time, Nigerian football fans have become accustomed to these delays, which often see squad lists disclosed just days or even hours prior to crucial matches. Such late notifications can create confusion among fans and lead to logistical challenges for players, especially those traveling from clubs abroad. Critics have raised alarms over the potential fallout from this disorganization, highlighting how inadequate preparation time can adversely affect team cohesion and tactical planning.
For players, the ramifications of delayed squad announcements extend beyond mere inconvenience. Many Super Eagles stars compete in Europe, where they follow rigorous training regimens. Early notification of their inclusion in the national team enables them to prepare both mentally and physically for the shift from club responsibilities to international duties. When announcements come at the last minute, players are left racing against time to arrange travel and adjust to new expectations under a different manager or tactical approach. Moreover, these last-minute announcements can strain relationships between players and their clubs, as many European teams are already reluctant to release players for international duty, especially given the long-distance travel involved. The uncertainty surrounding squad selections adds another layer of frustration for both the athletes and their clubs.
The pressing question remains: why does the NFF repeatedly find itself caught in this cycle of delayed announcements? Insiders have suggested that bureaucratic obstacles, a lack of efficient processes, and internal power struggles may contribute to these delays. Although the NFF has yet to offer a clear explanation for this ongoing issue, many observers believe that without significant reforms, Nigerian football will continue to face challenges stemming from this disorganization.