“The Decline of Fear: Abiodun Obafemi Laments Super Eagles’ Waning Reputation”
Abiodun Olugbemiga Obafemi, a former Nigerian international and a key part of the historic 1996 Olympic gold-winning team, has voiced his concerns about the declining aura of the Super Eagles. Speaking in an interview with Brila FM, Obafemi reflected on the glory days when Nigeria was a dominant force in African football, lamenting how opponents no longer fear the once-formidable three-time AFCON champions.
His comments come after a string of underwhelming performances by the Super Eagles. Despite securing qualification for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco with a 1-1 draw against Benin, the team failed to impress. Their next game, a shocking loss to Rwanda—the first in history—only deepened the frustrations of fans and critics alike.
“The fear factor is no longer there. There’s no team coming to Nigeria now that doesn’t believe they have a chance of beating us, and that’s a big minus,” Obafemi said. He expressed disappointment in the players’ inability to replicate their club form for the national team, describing it as a “big concern.”
As Nigeria prepares for a crucial rematch against Rwanda in March 2025, with a FIFA World Cup qualification on the line, Obafemi urged the players to rediscover their competitive edge. “They must be competitive. I don’t understand why they are selecting games,” he added, highlighting the inconsistency that has become a troubling hallmark of the team.
The Super Eagles face a critical juncture in their journey, and fans hope they can reclaim the respect and dominance they once commanded on the continent.