Former Olympic gold-winning manager Johannes ‘Jo’ Bonfrere has expressed deep concern regarding the alarming decline of Nigerian football.
The Dutch tactician voiced his frustrations shortly after Burkina Faso handed the Flying Eagles a humiliating 4-1 thrashing. As a result, this painful defeat in Yamoussoukro officially eliminated Nigeria from qualifying for the 2027 CAF U-20 AFCON.
“It’s sad, shameful that Nigeria is going down in football despite the huge talents it has,” Bonfrere said.
“Burkina Faso defeating Nigeria 4-1, that’s too painful. Super Eagles not in 2026 World Cup. Flying Eagles not going to CAF U-20 AFCON, and possibly 2027 FIFA (Women’s) World Cup.”
Bonfrere Jo questions NFF direction following WAFU B and WAFCON disasters
Furthermore, Bonfrere lamented the administrative silence regarding his offer to assist local coaches across various national teams. He emphasised that watching traditional powerhouses falter against regional rivals remains deeply painful for passionate supporters nationwide.
“Super Falcons not going to Women’s World Cup in Brazil. That’s too bad. The Federation (NFF) not responding to my desire through the media to have me so I can teach the coaches in the various national teams,” Bonfrere said.
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“I feel bad that all these [failures] are happening to Nigeria — losing to Burkina Faso, first 0-2 and now 1-4. Super Falcons, who are Africa’s most respected women’s team, now looking like beginners,” he lamented.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso secured their continental ticket by sweeping Nigeria twice during the WAFU B tournament campaign. Simultaneously, the Super Falcons suffered a shocking 1-0 quarter-final loss against Cameroon at WAFCON 2026 in Morocco.
Therefore, Nigeria must now battle South Africa in Casablanca for an intercontinental play-off lifeline toward Brazil 2027. This triumph marked Cameroon’s sixth victory over Nigeria in 26 historical international meetings between both women’s powerhouses.
