I want to comment on the poor performances of the Super Eagles of Nigeria so far in the on-going Mali 2002 Nations Cup. No doubt that statistics shows that they have won two matches and escaped defeat form the host country Mali but their performance is nothing to write home about.

It is obvious that this country has potentials to win the cup but administrative lapses form both the NFA and the coaching crew will not permit that. The much stressed, "the coach should be given a free head" is dangerous. Coach Amodu is yet to explain to Nigerians why he must retain the same old and tired legs despite the availability of young, vibrant and talented youths who are ready to explode and make names for themselves. It worries me why NFA should allow the existence of the mafia in Super Eagles and the lack of a comprehensive developmental programme on football in our country.

It is still incomprehensible why Coach Amodu rejected talented youths like James Obiora, Willy Orume who are presently doing well in Europe. If the NFA is worth the onion, they should have insisted that the best in the land be allowed to represent the country.

When it comes to football, agility is very important. Since 1994 when Nigeria went for her first World Cup with patriotic and committed players that shocked the world, Nigeria have continued to use almost the same old players that have now gone past their prime and have no doubt find it difficult matching the fire-power of their opponents during matches. A clear case is the match situation in Ghana where Accra Harts of Oaks disgraced our big names. France 98 dismal and below average outing should have been the best period for the team to be overhauled instead we still use almost the same tired old players. No official of NFA showed interest in the assemblage of younger and talented Nigerians ball players scattered all over the world. What Nigerians want is a team that will be better than the USA 94 team.

It is certain that if Nigeria should go to the World cup with this standard of performance currently exhibited by the Super Eagles of Nigeria to face Argentina, England and Sweden then we are finished. The source of worry is the absence of quality players in the team. You will agree with me that we managed to escape defeat by Mali just like we did in the hands of Accra Harts of Oak players who represented their country during the world cup qualifying period.

To avoid disgrace in the World Cup, I suggest absolute restructure of the team. The demand for a foreign coach may not be out of place. (ACONS)