Nigeria’s leading pitch-construction specialist Ebi Egbe has warned that deteriorating playing surfaces across Africa could turn the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification hopes into a near coin-flip, regardless of the squad quality or the work of head coach Eric Sékou Chelle.
Egbe, CEO of Monimichelle Sports Facilities Construction Limited, argued that recent positive outcomes in Chelle’s friendly matches are being boosted by the conditions under which many of the team’s top players are currently competing. In his view, those results should not be read as a definitive measure of the side’s readiness for the rigours of tournament football on the continent.
Pitch conditions could reshape qualification
- Egbe said Chelle’s progress in preparation and friendlies is being aided because many of Nigeria’s leading players are based abroad and are getting regular time on high-standard pitches.
- He added that, in those matches, the squad has generally avoided the difficulties that often come with poor surfaces—particularly the disruptions to movement and rhythm that can affect players’ usual style.
- However, Egbe cautioned that World Cup and AFCON qualifying matches played in Africa bring a very different reality, where the game’s pace and technical execution can be heavily influenced by the state of the turf.
- He argued that many Nigerian stars have been trained and conditioned to thrive on world-class grounds that suit quick, possession-oriented football, meaning a drop in pitch quality could force uncomfortable adjustments.
The turf specialist also stressed that football infrastructure remains a decisive element in modern success, calling for urgent investment from all parties involved in the sport.
“Without quality pitches and training facilities that support elite performance, Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the next FIFA World Cup could easily become a 50/50 proposition, regardless of the talent available to the coach,” Egbe said.
Egbe, who has worked on playing surfaces at Remo Stars Stadium, Enyimba International Stadium, and Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, insisted there is still time to correct the shortfall. But he said the problem cannot be solved casually and will require sustained action rather than short-lived efforts.
“We still have time to address these infrastructure challenges, but doing so requires serious planning, investment, and commitment — most importantly from the government, administrators in charge of football in Nigeria, and the private sector,” he said.
Focus on foundations, not headlines
Egbe further warned against letting appearances and media-friendly gestures take priority over practical progress. In his view, Nigeria should concentrate on building long-term, sustainable foundations for player development instead of chasing immediate applause.
He also urged the country to bring in its most capable football experts for key roles, adding that administrative appointments alone do not guarantee real competence or the ability to deliver at the required level.
