Former Super Eagles star Osaze Odemwingie has unleashed a stinging rebuke on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), accusing officials of incompetence and unprofessionalism after the federation’s match report publicly criticized striker Cyril Dessers and captain William Troost-Ekong.

Speaking on Brila FM’s breakfast show No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze, the 2010 and 2014 World Cup veteran said the federation’s conduct “looked like something done by ordinary fans, not a national body with ambitions.”

“It is a sign that the wrong people are in charge,” Odemwingie stated. “You can give that job to a fan and they will probably do it just as well. At the international level, you can’t act like a bush man. These people just acted like they’re from the tree, not like an organization taking Nigerian football to the next level.”

The 65-cap forward lamented that such behavior undermines Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions. “We have what it takes to reach a World Cup final, but we’re still distracted by childish issues like this,” he said. “This isn’t the time to scapegoat players who have a legacy to protect. The problem is much bigger than the performance of one or two players.”

Lightening the mood, Odemwingie ended with a wry smile: “I’m a kind guy these days. On the day wey I dey vex, na red card straight.”

The former striker’s remarks come amid growing concern over Nigeria’s shaky 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign after a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein.