“Sometimes We’ll Be Owing Hotels, You See Players Fighting During Tournaments For Their Bonuses”– Jay-Jay Okocha Raises Alarm Over Poor Structure, Unpaid Bonuses In Super Eagles

Jay-Jay Okocha has criticised the poor structure and administration of Nigerian football, revealing that the Super Eagles do not have a dedicated campsite and that players sometimes have to fight for unpaid bonuses during tournaments.

The former captain also warned that Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 World Cup could affect the visibility of the country’s football stars, while calling for better structures and greater involvement of former players in football administration.

Former Super Eagles captain Jay-Jay Okocha has criticised the poor administration and lack of proper structure surrounding Nigeria’s national football team, describing the situation as frustrating and unnecessary.

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, the football legend highlighted the challenges players face, including the absence of a dedicated campsite, unpaid bonuses and outstanding hotel bills.

“In a nation like Nigeria, we don’t have any campsite for the national team. Sometimes we’ll be owing hotels. You see players fighting during tournaments for their bonuses. Come on. It’s amateur,” he said.

Okocha also expressed concern about the impact of Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the country’s football stars.

“World Cup is coming and we’re not taking part. If not that maybe our names have gone beyond borders, nobody will remember us, because Nigeria is not taking part,” he stated.

According to the former midfielder, the challenges facing Nigerian football are not impossible to solve, insisting that the right structures and people could make a significant difference.

“These things can be fixed, and that’s the annoying part of it because it’s not rocket science. It’s just to put the good structure in place, get people that can add value,” Okocha said.

He also stressed the importance of involving former footballers in the administration of the game, arguing that their experience should not be dismissed simply because they are retired players.

Okocha’s comments highlight longstanding concerns over the organisation of the Super Eagles and the wider administration of Nigerian football.

The former captain believes better infrastructure, proper financial management and the involvement of experienced football professionals could help address many of the issues affecting the national team.

Source: Gistllover

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