Years ago, the issue used to be the color of medal we would come back with. From 1976 - 2006, Nigeria failed to get to the podium only once (in 1982). Now, even to qualify has become a prayer point. For the third in four editions, Nigeria would be missing out of AFCON. What's puzzling is that fact that Nigeria officially has the best U-17 (World Champs), U-20 (African Champs) and U-23 (African Champs) sides in Africa. How come this is not translating to success at senior level on the continental stage? Do we need a change of coach or do we overhaul the Super Eagles or the NFF? Any Ideas?

Here is what Colin Udoh thinks:

It's the morning after a night of heartbreak. Nigeria's Super Eagles will be missing from a second consecutive African Nations Cup after they lost 1-0 to Egypt in the second leg to crash out of the group 2-1 on aggregate.

For a country with a population that dwarfs the majority of others on the continent, which exports the greatest number of football players overseas, and has been consistently on the top tier of African football, it is a stunning confirmation of decline.

This recent failure will mark the third time in four editions that Nigeria miss out on Africa's showpiece event. That is the mark of continental minnows and, due to their performances, they really should be considered minnows in African football.

Recognising the problem is the first step towards finding a resolution, and here is where Nigeria should start.

1. Allow Samson Siasia to continue as boss

While the troubles within the Nigeria team started much earlier, it came to the boil with the inability to qualify for the 2012 African Nations Cup.

Rather than take a step back to assess why the team failed to qualify, and what needed to be done, an immediate quick fix was to fire Siasia. This, despite the fact that he not only got the squad playing an exciting brand of football, but was also scoring a hatful of goals.

During the current qualifying series, three coaches, with three contrasting styles and almost three different sets of players were employed. Each coach with three different captains. It all added up to disaster.

Siasia may have been appointed as a stand-in coach, but it is time for the Nigerian FA (NFF) to look at the big picture and hand him a long-term contract to continue the process he started.

There is no need for a new coach to come in and start a "rebuilding" process that has been going on for the better part of six years.

Siasia understands the NFF's constraints. They are well aware of his limitations. Between them, they can find a lasting workaround that serves the best interests of Nigeria.

What we saw over 180 minutes against Egypt is a team a that played delightful football, created opportunities, showed promise but were let down for the most part by defensive fragility.

Given time, and perhaps with a little help from technical director Shaibu Amodu to help with defensive structure, this is a team that can go far if they keep the manager.

2. Football must be unshackled

It is easy enough to dump the blame for this disaster at the door step of the NFF. And, in fairness, as the body charged with administering the game, they should take responsibility. But here's the thing: Nigeria have failed to qualify under three different administrations, so perhaps the issues run a little deeper?

Actually, it does. Government shackles are the major reason the federation cannot function properly. Having to wait months for financing, even after budgets have been slashed unrecognizably, does little to help plans and preparations.

This has been said so many times it has become hackneyed, but government really has to let go of football. It should not even be up for discussion anymore.

3. Players must show their passion

Now to the actual football. Back when the Super Eagles were the best team in Africa, the players did not play for the world's biggest clubs. As a matter of fact, some were even clubless. What they did have, however, was a sense of commitment and dedication to the cause.

Did they have issues with administrators? Of course. There were all manner of rows and disputes over bonuses, tickets and the likes. But when they stepped on the pitch, they left it all there.

And that was what marked the Super Eagles out. These days, players talk of high spirits and confidence, but it's hard to see when they are on the pitch.

If Nigeria keep the coach and allow him to build a core team, rather than playing a game of musical chairs where players are not sure if they'll return for the next game or not, that is the first step. Leadership cannot blossom in such an uncertain atmosphere.

4. Play to Ighalo's strengths

One such player is Odion Ighalo. The Watford forward is without doubt Nigeria's hottest striker in Europe. He may have hit a dry patch in the Premier League in the lead up to these qualifiers, but his quality is not in doubt. However, he failed to score over two legs and the question must be asked, did he carry over his dip in form? Or does the system just not suit him?

On the evidence of the two games, one would have to go with the system. For long periods, Ighalo looked lonely, sandwiched between two defenders with next to no support. On one occasion, he dropped deep, picked up a ball and played a vertical reverse pass in behind but Ahmed Musa, who had moved into that central space, failed to read it and did not make the run. That was one move that epitomised Ighalo's frustrations.

His best moments came when Alex Iwobi came on. The Arsenal teenager's direct running played to the Watford man's strengths and their interplay caused trouble for Egypt.

So, it might be time for Siasia to consider tweaking his system to suit the players at his disposal. Many fans are already criticising Ighalo and it would be a big mistake for Siasia to drop him. He needs confidence to deliver and the coach must give him that confidence by backing him.

Rashidi Yekini missed tons of chances, but he always had the confidence of a striker who knew his coach and teammates had his back. Right now, that's what Ighalo needs too.

5. Sort out the defence

Defence used to be one of Nigeria's strong points. But, in recent years, that has failed to be the case. Stephen Keshi put a patch on it by playing a somewhat conservative style, like his mentor Amodu. It was painful to watch, but it was efficient.

Siasia usually takes the opposite route, by going for an all-out attacking approach. When it works, it is beautiful; when the team doesn't score, it can be disastrous.

A hybrid solution (only with Siasia's buy-in, of course) would be to get Amodu to join in temporarily and help design and implement a defensive structure for the team.

With no Nations Cup on the horizon, that time might be best served plugging the holes. It would also help if the likes of Leon Balogun and Kenneth Omeruo can manage to stay injury free for consistent, protracted periods.

http://www.espnfc.com.ng/team/nigeria/657/blog/post/2840029/five-things-to-fix-nigeria-after-african-nations-cup-woe