U23 AFCON crash ‘big shock’ say NFF, minister demands reorganisation of Nigeria football

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have described as “a big shock” the country’s elimination from the U23 AFCON with sports minister Sunday Dare demanding a re-organisation of the country’s football.

Defending U23 AFCON champions Nigeria Friday night failed to qualify for the semifinal of the tournament after they were held to a 0-0 draw by South Africa and this meant they will not feature at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“The team’s failure to reach the semifinals and ultimately qualify for the Olympics is a big shock,” NFF president Amaju Pinnick lamented.

“Three years ago football won the only medal that Nigeria took from the Olympics in Brazil.

“Our expectation was that this team would qualify for Tokyo and go there to do us proud.”

Sports minister Sunday Dare was categorical the country’s football needs changes.

“Nigeria’s game against S.A (South Africa) which ended in a draw concentrates the mind,” he tweeted.

“Time to take a look back and find out where the rain began to beat us.

“Like I said before, our football needs a return to the basics of grassroots football, pristine sports admin, sound technical coaching.”