Former Nigerian international Mutiu Adepoju says he expected the Super Eagles to be more aggressive against Zimbabwe in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Recall that Nigeria played out a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe, to put their qualification for the World Cup in real jeopardy.
With just seven points from six games, Nigeria sit fourth in Group C, trailing leaders South Africa by six points.
Speaking with Flashscore, Adepoju stated that the players should have stopped Zimbabwe from creating any attacking threat after their first attempt hit the frame of the goalpost.
“The boys didn’t play badly, but poor game management at the end cost us the result.
Read Also: Nwabali Set To Quit Chippa United This Summer
“I expected them to be more aggressive when Zimbabwe looked like they might take the lead and not let them reach our area. That could have stopped their momentum in the final moments.
The 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner, noted that he’s still optimistic the Super Eagles will amend their mistakes and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
“We were on the right track after our win in Rwanda, but our result against Zimbabwe set us back,” Adepoju said.
“If we had won, we would have had nine points, but now we have only seven.
“Before the game against Zimbabwe, I said Nigeria might qualify for the World Cup, but it would be tough. Now, it is even tougher.”
3 Comments
Haven watched Finidi, Eguavon and chille’s tactics if u ask me to choose, i will choose Eguavon hands down. The NFF decisions making is poor. After Egu bounced back and qualified us for the Nations cup with a cup to spare. It will have been wise to allow him continue since his games improved showing he has learnt from his mistakes or get a foreign coach head and shoulders above him. From what i have seen of chille he is below Eguavon in terms Coaching tactics and experience.. I dont see Nigeria making it to the world cup with him as the manager. Im sorry but seriously doubt his game reading and management acumen.
Eguavoen nowhere near Chelle’s I disagree…
Chelle’s set up was fantastic his team creates lots of chances and are dominant.
The problem is taking the chances which the super eagles have failed to do…
Where I fault the coach was not adding bodies in the midfield and defence towards the closing period of the Zimbabwean game to make sure they protect the hard fought goal by Osimhen and 3 points at stake,other than that he was fantastic in my opinion..
You think if Libya didn’t give us that 3 points, Nigeria would have qualified?