‘Talent Is Not Enough’ – Igiebor Says Super Eagles Lack Hunger to Win AFCON

Former Super Eagles midfielder and 2013 AFCON winner, Nosa Igiebor, has questioned the fighting spirit of the current Nigerian team, insisting that raw talent alone will not bring continental success.

In a recent interview, the ex-Real Betis star reflected on his pride in wearing the green and white, the sacrifices of the 2013 squad, and what he believes is missing in today’s Super Eagles.

According to Igiebor, representing Nigeria remains the highest honour of his career.

“Wearing the Super Eagles jersey, hearing the national anthem, knowing over 200 million people are behind you – there is no feeling like it. That badge means everything,” he said.

‘2013 Was Special – Nigeria Needs That Feeling Again’

Looking back on Nigeria’s last AFCON triumph in 2013, Igiebor described the experience as unforgettable, saying the joy it brought to Nigerians across the country is something the nation deserves to feel again.

“The happiness, the unity, the celebrations on the streets – that is what football is about. Nigeria needs to taste that again,” he added.

He also revealed that before their famous victory over Ivory Coast in 2013, the football authorities had already prepared for their exit.

“The NFF had booked our return tickets. They did not believe we would beat Ivory Coast. But when we won, everything changed. That was the moment we knew the trophy was coming home.”

‘This Team Has Talent, But Do They Have Fight?’

While praising the quality in the current Super Eagles squad, Igiebor expressed doubts about their hunger and mentality.

“We have talented players, no doubt. But talent is not enough. When you watch teams like Senegal, you see hunger. You see fight. That is what wins tournaments.”

He singled out players like Victor Osimhen and Calvin Bassey as examples of those who show the spirit he recognises from the 2013 team but stressed that commitment must be collective.

“Everyone has to be on the same page. It cannot be about fancy football or dribbling. It has to be about fight.”

On Criticism: ‘It Comes With the Job’

Igiebor also addressed the heavy criticism Nigerian players face from fans, advising them to stay focused and professional.

“The moment you choose football, you choose criticism. It is part of the job. They have faced worse at their clubs. It should not distract them.”

AFCON vs World Cup: ‘I Will Always Choose AFCON’

When asked whether he would prefer winning the AFCON or qualifying for the World Cup, Igiebor did not hesitate.

“I will always choose AFCON. What is going to the World Cup without winning it? I would rather be king of Africa.”

Unpaid Bonuses and NFF Concerns

The former midfielder also criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), blaming unpaid bonuses and poor administration for declining performances.

“How do you expect players to give everything when they are owed for years? Leadership must get it right. If the head is wrong, the body will suffer.”

He described Nigeria’s failure to qualify for consecutive World Cups as painful and warned that nothing will change unless the system improves.

“We love this country. We want Nigeria to be great again. But things have to change. We last won AFCON in 2013 – that is too long.”

Former Super Eagles midfielder and 2013 AFCON winner, Nosa Igiebor, has questioned the fighting spirit of the current Nigerian team, insisting that raw talent alone will not bring continental success.

In a recent interview, the ex-Real Betis star reflected on his pride in wearing the green and white, the sacrifices of the 2013 squad, and what he believes is missing in today’s Super Eagles.

According to Igiebor, representing Nigeria remains the highest honour of his career.

“Wearing the Super Eagles jersey, hearing the national anthem, knowing over 200 million people are behind you – there is no feeling like it. That badge means everything,” he said.

‘2013 Was Special – Nigeria Needs That Feeling Again’

Looking back on Nigeria’s last AFCON triumph in 2013, Igiebor described the experience as unforgettable, saying the joy it brought to Nigerians across the country is something the nation deserves to feel again.

“The happiness, the unity, the celebrations on the streets – that is what football is about. Nigeria needs to taste that again,” he added.

He also revealed that before their famous victory over Ivory Coast in 2013, the football authorities had already prepared for their exit.

“The NFF had booked our return tickets. They did not believe we would beat Ivory Coast. But when we won, everything changed. That was the moment we knew the trophy was coming home.”

‘This Team Has Talent, But Do They Have Fight?’

While praising the quality in the current Super Eagles squad, Igiebor expressed doubts about their hunger and mentality.

“We have talented players, no doubt. But talent is not enough. When you watch teams like Senegal, you see hunger. You see fight. That is what wins tournaments.”

He singled out players like Victor Osimhen and Calvin Bassey as examples of those who show the spirit he recognises from the 2013 team but stressed that commitment must be collective.

“Everyone has to be on the same page. It cannot be about fancy football or dribbling. It has to be about fight.”

On Criticism: ‘It Comes With the Job’

Igiebor also addressed the heavy criticism Nigerian players face from fans, advising them to stay focused and professional.

“The moment you choose football, you choose criticism. It is part of the job. They have faced worse at their clubs. It should not distract them.”

AFCON vs World Cup: ‘I Will Always Choose AFCON’

When asked whether he would prefer winning the AFCON or qualifying for the World Cup, Igiebor did not hesitate.

“I will always choose AFCON. What is going to the World Cup without winning it? I would rather be king of Africa.”

Unpaid Bonuses and NFF Concerns

The former midfielder also criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), blaming unpaid bonuses and poor administration for declining performances.

“How do you expect players to give everything when they are owed for years? Leadership must get it right. If the head is wrong, the body will suffer.”

He described Nigeria’s failure to qualify for consecutive World Cups as painful and warned that nothing will change unless the system improves.

“We love this country. We want Nigeria to be great again. But things have to change. We last won AFCON in 2013 – that is too long.”