28th Africa Cup of Nations (Gabon/Equatorial Guinea - 2012): Lessons for Nigeria Football

Abstract

The paper traced the successes recorded by Nigeria in football culminating in her wining the Africa Cup of Nations in 1980. It also exposed some downward trend particularly the non – qualification of Nigeria for the 2012 London Olympics and the above competition. Some reasons adduced to be the major causes of Nigeria not qualifying include over – reliance on foreign – based players, indiscipline and the lack luster organization and administration of the Nigeria Professional League. The lessons to be learnt include the use of young home – based players who seem to be more committed and disciplined. Some recommendations were made to include “football eclipse” for a period to enable Nigeria reflect and plan for her football and a restructuring of the Nigerian Professional League to make it more productive and attractive.

Keywords: Charlatans; Dogged determination; Landscape; Legion; Match rusty; Minnows; Tourney.