Former Nigerian foreign coach Bonfrère Jo raised concerns over the team’s tactical approach and lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.
Nigeria's new manager, Eric Chelle, used a 4-4-2 formation in the recent World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Wilfred Ndidi was the only player to maintain his usual role in the 4-4-2 formation. Alex Iwobi had to take on defensive responsibilities, while Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon were positioned as wide midfielders.
However, despite the change in tactics and formation, the Super Eagles still struggled to create chances and score goals.
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16:20 - 27.03.2025
‘Draw with Zimbabwe is unacceptable’ - Ex-Nigerian foreign coach slams Super Eagles performance against Warriors
Johannes Bonfrère, a former Super Eagles coach, expressed his disappointment with Nigeria's inability to defeat Zimbabwe in the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier held in Uyo.
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12:32 - 27.03.2025
That is what's missing - South African pundit reveals Super Eagles' weakness after Zimbabwe draw
The Super Eagles' midfield was identified as a weak point in their World Cup qualifying campaign by South African football pundit Mbizo Mzamane.
Bonfrere Jo speaks on coach’s tactics
The Super Eagles 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe has led to Bonfrère questioning what went wrong against the Warriors.
Speaking to Complete Sports, he said, “I didn’t watch the game, but did the coach not have enough information on Zimbabwe? Did he use the wrong tactics? Or did the players fail to execute the game plan?
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“Was it a loss of concentration? Why couldn’t the attackers score more goals? If they had put away two or three chances, Zimbabwe’s late goal wouldn’t have mattered as much.
“It’s sad, painful, and unfortunate. Small teams are now looking the Super Eagles in the eye and asking, ‘What can you do?’ No team fears them anymore, and that is worrying.”
The draw resulted in Nigeria remaining in fourth position in Group C with seven points. South Africa leads the group with 13 points, followed by Rwanda and Benin, both with 8 points.