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The 65-time Nigeria international still holds hope that the Super Eagles will make the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Former Super Eagles star, Peter Osaze Odemwingie, has expressed strong opinions on the Nigerian football team's tactics and their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 43-year-old, who recently completed a professional golfers course after a football career spanning over a decade, shared his thoughts on Nigeria's World Cup qualification campaign.
Odemwingie slams Peseiro’s AFCON tactics
Odemwingie criticised the defensive tactics employed by former coach Jose Peseiro during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, stating that the team needs to adopt a more attacking approach.
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Although the Super Eagles reached the final of the 2023 AFCON, Nigeria’s style of play drew criticism from pundits and fans, and Odemingie agrees with the critics of the handbrake approach implemented by Peseiro.
Reflecting on Nigeria's recent performances, he said, “Personally, I didn’t enjoy watching our team play in the last Nations Cup because we didn’t perform like our usual selves. We need to play defensively against top teams like Germany, Argentina, and Brazil, but be more ambitious in the African Cup.”
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Despite Nigeria's struggles in their recent World Cup qualifiers, which included a draw against South Africa and a loss to the Benin Republic, Odemwingie remains optimistic about their chances of qualifying for the tournament to be held in 2026.
He emphasised the need for an attacking approach, particularly against African opponents, saying, “We need to attack in numbers and trust our defenders and goalkeeper. We must be ourselves and recapture what’s missing in our football today.”
Odemwingie hopes for swift resolution to Super Eagles drama
With Finidi George resigning as the coach of the Super Eagles after only two games, the Super Eagles are currently on the hunt for a manager to see out the remaining World Cup qualifiers. Odemwingie hopes for a swift resolution to ensure the team can refocus and prepare for their upcoming matches.
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“Hopefully, there will be no drama in the team, and we pray for peace and harmony so we can get the job done for the collective good,” he said.
Nigeria will face Rwanda, Benin Republic, and Libya in their quest for AFCON 2025 qualification, with Rwanda and Benin Republic also in their current World Cup qualifying group.
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