The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has been urged to take immediate action to correct the course of the Super Eagles as they prepare for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
With the team’s recent performance under scrutiny, former international Sam Sodje has called on both the NFF and other sports authorities to reevaluate their approach or risk further setbacks, Footballrover reports.
The urgency of the situation is palpable as the Super Eagles struggle to find their rhythm on the field.
Sodje, speaking in the quiet town of Oleh in Delta State, did not mince words in his assessment of the Super Eagles’ recent performances.
Sam Sodje’s advice for NFF: revamp Super Eagles’ approach
His remarks followed a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Rwanda on home soil, a result that still stings.
According to the ex-Super Eagles star, the team’s positioning and strategy were simply not up to par.
He expressed deep concern over the lack of tactical discipline and a seeming disconnect between the players and the importance of representing Nigeria.
He pointed out that the lack of urgency and commitment on the field was a major factor behind the Super Eagles’ lacklustre showing.
The former defender emphasised that this attitude needs to change if the team is to succeed in the upcoming qualifiers.
Sodje also highlighted a critical gap in the Super Eagles’ lineup: the absence of quality players in key positions.
He pointed out that the team’s depth has been compromised, leading to unbalanced performances.
This, he argued, is where the NFF must focus its efforts: identifying and nurturing talent that can fill these gaps effectively.
“We were missing some creative players. I think for now we are not good to go because the players are not doing themselves justice. They are not applying themselves well when they come to play for Nigeria.
“If we start playing the way we are playing now, we are going nowhere; we are going to continue to struggle, so we have to go back to the drawing board and make sure we do the needful; otherwise, we are progressing in error, which, of course, will not be well with us when we meet some big teams,” he said.
The seasoned footballer did not stop there. He also addressed the technical side of the Super Eagles, urging the NFF to reassess the management and coaching structure.
Specifically, he called for a review of the current coach, Austin Eguavoen.
While he acknowledged the coach’s experience, Sodje suggested that his recent results were not up to standard and urged the NFF to consider whether Eguavoen’s methods are truly suited for the team’s needs moving forward.
“We have to go back to the technical side of NFF to do things right, and if we don’t get it properly now, I’m afraid, we will even not get it right in the international games,” he said.
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