Following a resounding 6-0 win against Sao Tome and Principe, former Super Eagles Coach, Christian Chukwu, has set his sights higher.
He urges the team to secure victories against more formidable opponents in the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Chukwu shared his thoughts after the Super Eaglesโ recent triumph in the 2024 AFCON qualifier in Uyo. He emphasized the need for the players to elevate their game before the World Cup qualifiers commence.
The former coach sees the 6-0 win as a motivation. He believes it should spur the team to work harder for upcoming major matches.
Chukwu highlighted the challenges ahead.
He mentioned that while South Africa might be the most challenging team in the group, other nations like Benin Republic, Lesotho, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe shouldnโt be underestimated.
He expressed his desire for the Super Eagles to consistently raise their gameโs standard. Chukwu firmly believes that Nigeria should not miss out on the World Cup ticket.
Additionally, Chukwu, who once coached Kenyaโs Harambee Stars, had advice for the Super Eaglesโ manager, Jose Peseiro. He hopes to see more domestic players given opportunities in the senior national team.
While the victory against Sao Tome and Principe is commendable, Chukwu wishes more local talents had been featured in the match.
Editorial:
The Super Eaglesโ recent performance has undoubtedly brought joy to many Nigerian football enthusiasts. A 6-0 victory is no small feat, but as Christian Chukwu rightly points out, there are bigger challenges ahead.
In the world of football, complacency can be a teamโs worst enemy. While celebrating victories is essential, itโs equally crucial to keep an eye on the future and prepare for tougher battles.
The upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers will be a true test of the Super Eaglesโ mettle. Facing teams like South Africa will require not just skill but also strategy, determination, and teamwork.
Itโs also heartening to hear calls for the inclusion of more domestic players in the national team. This not only boosts the morale of local talents but also strengthens the domestic league.
In conclusion, while the road ahead is challenging, with the right mindset, preparation, and team spirit, the Super Eagles can soar to even greater heights.
Did You Know?
- The Super Eagles have won the Africa Cup of Nations three times.
- Nigeria made its World Cup debut in 1994 and reached the round of 16.
- The Super Eaglesโ highest FIFA ranking was 5th, achieved in April 1994.
- Nigeriaโs national football team played their first official game in 1949.
- The Super Eaglesโ biggest victory was a 10-1 win against Dahomey (now Benin) in 1959.
