Morocco’s green grass brought Nigerian football back home – Odegbami

Former Nigerian international Segun Odegbami has praised the Super Eagles’ 4-0 win over Mozambique, describing it as evidence of Nigeria’s return to football greatness.

Odegbami, who spoke to newsmen on Monday, said the Round-of-16 victory at the Complexe Sportif de Fès showcased confident, attacking football rarely seen from the Eagles in recent years.

He noted that the team’s sharp passing, movement, and composure signalled renewed belief and cohesion among the players at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

According to Odegbami, beyond tactics and talent, the quality of Morocco’s immaculate playing surfaces has played a major role in Nigeria’s impressive performances.

“The Super Eagles reminded me of who we are when conditions are right.

“Good football starts from the ground up; the pitch is the silent hero.

“Morocco’s green grass has brought Nigerian football back home.

“The difference is simple and obvious,” Odegbami said, adding: “These perfect pitches allow players to express themselves without fear or restriction.”

He described Morocco’s lush, flat, and well-maintained turfs as among the best in the world, enabling football to be played as an art.

Odegbami lamented Nigeria’s poor pitch standards, noting that even the Uyo Township Stadium falls far below AFCON-level surfaces in Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire.

He urged Nigeria to invest seriously in world-class grass pitches across major stadia, supported by proper maintenance structures.

“Until we fix our playing surfaces, our football will continue to suffer,” Odegbami warned.

The win over Mozambique leaves Eric Chelle’s side just two victories away from the 1XBET AFCON final scheduled for Jan. 18.

Nigeria will face either Algeria or DR Congo in Saturday’s quarter-final, after the Round-of-16 clash between the two sides on Tuesday.

Whichever opponent emerges, the Super Eagles are braced for a high-stakes quarter-final encounter.

Nigeria last faced DR Congo in November, when they were eliminated on penalties in a World Cup qualifying play-off.

A meeting with DR Congo would, therefore, offer the Super Eagles an opportunity for redemption and revenge.