…Traces Nigeria’s Football Decline To Controversial Post–AFCON 2002 Disbandment
Former Super Eagles captain and midfield maestro, Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, has described the Nigerian squad to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan as the weakest national team he ever played for — linking the country’s football decline to the controversial disbandment of the Super Eagles after the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Mali.
Speaking in the latest edition of The Exchange Podcast hosted by Femi Soneye, which began trending on Sunday, Okocha offered a rare and candid reflection on what he believes marked the turning point in Nigeria’s football fortunes.
“Nigerian football started declining after the Nations Cup in 2002,” Okocha said. “The team was disbanded, and some of us were later called back. But, in my opinion, the squad that went to the World Cup that year was the weakest I ever played in.”
The former Paris Saint-Germain and Bolton Wanderers star explained that the abrupt dissolution of the team destroyed its rhythm and cohesion, leaving a vacuum that was never properly filled.
“The transition was not smooth,” he noted.
“Almost 70 percent of the good players were left out, and that affected the standard and structure of the team.”
Okocha recalled how, prior to that episode, the Super Eagles had enjoyed a fearsome reputation across Africa and beyond — a team known for flair, unity, and an intimidating home record. But the fallout from the 2002 AFCON, where Nigeria finished third after a semifinal loss to Senegal, led to sweeping changes by football administrators who felt the team had underperformed.
“After that disbandment, we lost our identity,” Okocha lamented.
“We no longer had our home as a fortress, and opponents stopped fearing to play us. The Super Eagles lost that fear factor.”
The veteran playmaker said the decision eroded continuity and confidence, as many experienced players who could have guided the younger generation were sidelined, leaving the squad disjointed heading into the World Cup. Nigeria failed to progress beyond the group stage in Korea/Japan, exiting early in one of the nation’s most disappointing campaigns.
Okocha’s remarks on The Exchange Podcast have reignited conversations about leadership, continuity, and long-term planning in Nigerian football — issues that continue to shape the fortunes of the Super Eagles today.
The full episode is now available on The Exchange Podcast with Femi Soneye, offering deep insight from one of Africa’s most respected football heroes.
