Ex-Super Eagles midfielder Olofinjana recalls ‘difficult’ 2010 World Cup exclusion

Former Nigerian international Seyi Olofinjana has spoken out about his exclusion from the Super Eagles' squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, describing it as a particularly difficult experience. Sixteen years later, the ex-midfielder still laments not being informed of the reasons behind his omission, especially after featuring prominently in all qualifying matches and even captaining the national team on several occasions.

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2010 would have been my World Cup. I played all the qualifiers, in fact, I captained half of them, and to this day, no one has informed me why I wasn’t chosen.

Speaking on the PlayZone podcast, Olofinjana, who earned 48 caps for Nigeria between 2000 and 2011, stated that neither the coaching staff nor the Nigeria Football Federation contacted him to explain the decision. He emphasized that while he understood no player has an automatic right to a national team spot, the lack of communication was unexpected given his contributions during the qualification phase.

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I did not receive a single phone call from anyone. Not from players, not from staff. I shouldn’t have to inquire.

"2010 would have been my World Cup. I played all the qualifiers, in fact, I captained half of them, and to this day, no one has informed me why I wasn’t chosen," Olofinjana said. "I did not receive a single phone call from anyone. Not from players, not from staff. I shouldn’t have to inquire."

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It reflects on the culture; if someone is deemed capable of leading a nation of 250 million people, not just once but multiple times during the qualifiers for the World Cup, and then is simply overlooked, I won’t question it.

Olofinjana reflected on the significance of representing Nigeria, viewing it as a privilege. He believes that while selections should be based on merit, there should have been an explanation for his exclusion, particularly given his leadership role. "It reflects on the culture; if someone is deemed capable of leading a nation of 250 million people, not just once but multiple times during the qualifiers for the World Cup, and then is simply overlooked, I won’t question it," he added. "There is no divine right for anyone to be chosen for the Super Eagles. Selections are made based on merit. Just because I have accomplished all of that does not automatically mean I am deemed worthy. However, there should have been an explanation."

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There is no divine right for anyone to be chosen for the Super Eagles. Selections are made based on merit. Just because I have accomplished all of that does not automatically mean I am deemed worthy. However, there should have been an explanation.