'You can't farm on dry land' - 2013 Afcon winner urges Super Eagles to wake up, hails South Africa

Former Super Eagles winger and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Ejike Uzoenyi, has voiced concerns over Nigeria's chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing South Africa’s growing dominance and structured football development as a major threat.

The Super Eagles' qualification hopes were dealt a blow after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in Uyo, a result that leaves the team fifth in Group C with just seven points—six behind table-toppers South Africa.

Speaking on Nigeria’s chances, Uzoenyi expressed concern over the state of Nigerian football and pointed to South Africa’s football structure and grassroots investment as a model to emulate.

"You need to visit South Africa and see what they are doing there. And if you put South Africa and put Nigeria, in terms of footballing, I will tell you South Africa should win," Uzoenyi told Nigeria Info.

Using an agricultural metaphor to drive home his point, he said:

"You can't farm on a dry land, you need to get water and some rain to harvest big. When you work hard, you must eat."

He praised South Africa’s strides in youth football development, adding that their growing football infrastructure has placed them ahead of Nigeria among Africa’s elite.

"There grassroot football is top top. That's why they are overtaking us."

While acknowledging Nigeria’s pedigree, Uzoenyi stressed that historical success alone won’t guarantee qualification. He urged the NFF to be accountable and commit to serious reform.

"And people who are running football should be accountable for people's children who they are handling them over to, that's the problem," he stated.

"We should, we deserve it because of our old name. If we want to keep living there, like we are the giant of Africa, no you live there without putting in some work."

With just four matches left in the qualification series, including a crucial tie against South Africa, the Super Eagles must secure maximum points to have any realistic chance of reaching the 2026 World Cup.

Adewale Adewale

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