Former Super Eagles forward, Peter Osaze Odemwingie, has voiced his worries over the current state of the Nigerian national team, Footynaija.com reports.
The 43-year-old, who earned over 60 caps for Nigeria, didn’t hold back as he reflected on the team’s struggles.
Speaking in an interview with Ifeanyi Udeze on Brila FM’s “No Holds Barred” show, he said,
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“We’re struggling to secure victories, and we’re learning the hard way. It would be embarrassing to miss out on two consecutive World Cups. Watching the national team, I see that we’re not playing the kind of football we’re known for. We need to be more tactical and learn from our mistakes.”
Odemwingie pointed out that the Super Eagles’ failure to beat Zimbabwe came down to poor decision-making.
According to him, the team was in control but lost their grip as the match wore on.
“We were dominating the game, leading at one point, but the players became fatigued. When that happens, it’s important to make changes, close the gaps between the lines, and hold onto the lead,” Odemwingie explained during the chat with Brila FM.
He added that teams aiming for World Cup qualification must know how to manage such situations, warning against underestimating any opponent, even those without star players.
Despite the challenges, Odemwingie remains hopeful about Nigeria’s World Cup dream.
The former West Bromwich Albion star believes that if the Super Eagles win all their remaining matches and results elsewhere go their way, qualification is still within reach.
Away from his punditry, Odemwingie has been in the news lately for revealing his coaching ambitions.
He is set to start his UEFA coaching programme in June at the West Bromwich Albion academy, hoping to eventually move into full-time coaching.
