In the midst of growing concerns over the Super Eagles‘ lackluster performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, former international footballer Friday Ekpo has suggested a strategic shift rather than immediate coaching changes.
Ekpo, a former Super Eagles midfielder, emphasized the importance of infusing fresh talent into key positions within the team.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria ,NAN, on Tuesday in Lagos, Ekpo shared his perspective on the recent struggles faced by the Super Eagles. The team managed to secure only two points from their first two games in the World Cup qualifiers, drawing 1-1 against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
Contrary to calls for the dismissal of Head Coach José Peseiro, Ekpo urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to avoid such drastic measures. He argued that sacking the coach at this point would be counterproductive and emphasized the potential for reversing the recent unfavorable results in upcoming matches.
Ekpo’s primary concern lies in the team’s composition, advocating for a balance between foreign-based and home-based players. He highlighted the challenges of selecting a team dominated by foreign-based players, emphasizing the importance of incorporating talent from the domestic league.
The former midfielder referenced the victory of the Super Eagles at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, attributing the success to the inclusion of a home-based player, Sunday Mba, in the squad. Ekpo drew attention to the historical significance of such decisions, emphasizing that they contribute to the development of the domestic league.
As Head Coach José Peseiro prepares to submit a provisional 55-man list ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Ekpo’s insights suggest a strategic approach to team composition that considers the strengths of both foreign and home-based players.
The final roster, with a maximum of 27 players, is expected to be submitted by January 3, 2024, offering an opportunity for a thoughtful selection process.
Crediblenews would like to give credit to NAN for their comprehensive coverage of the report.The information and insights presented in this blog post are based on their informative news report.
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