Nigeria should treat the rebuilding of its football as a long-term journey rather than a quick fix if it wants to return to the FIFA World Cup, sports analyst Kolade Daniel has said.
Speaking after Morocco's 2-0 loss to France ended Africa's interest at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Daniel said African teams performed better than many expected, with Cabo Verde and Morocco proving that planning and investment can bring success.
"The first thing Nigeria needs is a change in mentality," Daniel said.
"We should not think about improving football as a race.
"We should look at it as a journey."
Nigeria missed a second straight World Cup despite the tournament expanding to 48 teams, a failure that many former players and administrators have described as a major setback for one of Africa's biggest football nations.
Daniel pointed to Morocco as the model Nigeria should follow.
He said the North African country spent decades investing in youth academies, football facilities, coaching and grassroots development before becoming one of the world's strongest teams.
"It took them decades of planning and investment," he said.
"It's no surprise they are among the world's top teams."
Daniel recalled seeing AstroTurf pitches across Moroccan communities during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with children regularly using the facilities.
He said such investment creates a steady flow of future stars.
He also warned that Nigeria is losing talented dual-nationality players because the country's football system no longer offers enough attraction.
"We have top players choosing other countries," he said.
"Can you blame them?
"There is no world-class infrastructure, the local game is struggling, and the coaching system needs improvement."
His comments echo concerns raised by former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi, who said Nigeria's repeated World Cup failures were "unacceptable," while the Nigeria Football Federation admitted the team's poor qualifying campaign disappointed millions of fans.
The National Sports Commission has also called for renewed cooperation with the NFF and better preparation after apologising to Nigerians for the failed qualification campaign.
Football observers have also praised Morocco's success as the result of stability, strong leadership and years of careful planning rather than luck.
For Daniel, the lesson is clear.
"If Nigeria invests in infrastructure, academies and coaches one step at a time, I see no reason why we cannot become the best football nation in Africa," he said.
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