Tacha Slams NFF Over Super Eagles’ AFCON Exit, Labels Federation ‘Unserious’

The fallout from the Super Eagles’ exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has taken a sharp turn from tactical analysis to administrative scrutiny, as reality TV star and media personality Natasha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has launched a blistering critique against the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Following Nigeria’s 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat, the former Big Brother Naija housemate did not mince words in expressing her frustration with the governing body. Tacha’s public outcry, shared via her Instagram platform on Thursday, centered on what she described as a glaring lack of professional foresight and proactive leadership within the NFF, specifically regarding the selection of match officials for the high-stakes encounter.

Tacha’s primary grievance stems from the appointment of referees from Ghana and South Africa, two of Nigeria’s most historic and intense footballing rivals. She characterized the NFF as a “very unserious organization” for allowing such an appointment to stand without a formal challenge. According to the media star, the moment the officiating team was announced, the federation should have recognized the potential for bias—or at the very least, the appearance of it—and filed an immediate petition with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). She argued that even if such a petition had been rejected and the referees remained in place, the mere act of filing a formal complaint would have served as a psychological deterrent, placing the officials under a spotlight and forcing them to be more meticulous in their decision-making.

The Super Eagles’ journey toward a potential fourth continental title was cut short in a match that many Nigerian fans believe was marred by inconsistent calls and a lack of flow. Tacha echoed these sentiments, describing the game as one of the worst officiated matches in the history of African football. She pointed out that the referee’s constant interruptions and questionable foul calls prevented the Nigerian team from establishing any rhythm. In her view, the officiating was so erratic that it transcended the typical “home advantage” often enjoyed by host nations. She observed that even the Moroccan players appeared visibly perplexed at times, unsure of why the whistle was being blown or what specific infractions were being penalized.

This lack of administrative proactivity is what Tacha believes ultimately handicapped the national team before they even stepped onto the pitch. She contended that silence from the NFF was effectively a silent endorsement of a setup that favored the opposition. In a sport where psychological margins and administrative influence often dictate outcomes, Tacha’s critique highlights a growing sentiment among Nigerians that the NFF is reactive rather than proactive. Her stance suggests that the technical staff and players were left to fend for themselves against both a formidable opponent and a hostile officiating environment, without the institutional backing required at the highest level of international competition.

The celebrity influencer went further to state that such “shambolic” officiating does more than just hurt one team; it actively damages the global credibility and brand of African football. She called on the NFF to find its voice and demand a rigorous review from CAF, suggesting that the officials involved should have their credentials questioned. Tacha’s demand for accountability is not just about the loss itself, but about ensuring that future generations of Super Eagles players are not subjected to similar administrative lapses. She insisted that if the NFF has any sense of duty to the fans and the players, they must seek a review to ensure that officiating at this level meets international standards of fairness and transparency.

Furthermore, Tacha’s intervention reflects a broader cultural trend where public figures are increasingly using their platforms to hold sports administrators accountable. The Super Eagles remain a symbol of national unity, and their failure at a major tournament often leads to deep national introspection. By labeling the NFF “unserious,” Tacha has tapped into a vein of public dissatisfaction regarding how football is managed in the country. Her comments suggest that the talent on the field is being consistently undermined by the perceived incompetence or lethargy of those in the glass house. The frustration is compounded by the fact that Nigeria, a powerhouse of African football, should theoretically possess the administrative weight to influence CAF’s logistical and officiating decisions.

As the dust settles on the Rabat defeat, the focus remains firmly on the NFF’s next steps. Will the federation heed the calls of Tacha and thousands of disgruntled fans to lodge a formal protest, or will they maintain their current stance of silence? The Super Eagles’ exit is a bitter pill for many to swallow, but the conversation has now moved beyond the missed penalties and tactical errors. It is now a debate about institutional integrity and the necessity of a governing body that fights for its team both on and off the field. Tacha’s bold statement serves as a reminder that in the modern era of sports, the battle for a trophy is won as much in the boardroom and through official correspondence as it is on the grass.

In closing her remarks, Tacha reiterated that the performance of the officials in the Morocco clash was a disservice to the sport. She urged the NFF to act decisively to prevent a recurrence of such events in future qualifiers or tournaments. For a nation that lives and breathes football, the “unserious” tag is a heavy label to carry, and the NFF now faces the uphill task of proving its critics wrong. Whether through a formal petition to CAF or a complete overhaul of their match-day protocols, the federation is under immense pressure to show that it can protect the interests of the Super Eagles and uphold the dignity of Nigerian football on the continental stage.