Former Super Eagles forward, John Utaka has called on fans to remain patient and hopeful as the national team prepares for its final two World Cup qualifying fixtures.
Speaking during Brila FM’s breakfast show, ‘No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze’, Utaka expressed optimism in Nigeria’s chances of picking a World Cup ticket.
“I still believe we can qualify because we have the quality of players to do it,” Utaka said.
“Since the situation is like this, I think we can still hope 100 percent. We just have to win our two games and see how it goes. I still believe it could happen.”
Nigeria will first play Lesotho in the first of two qualifying matches before they face Benin Republic to wrap up the series.
Utaka added that a strong finish to the qualifiers could reignite belief.
“I do believe they will revive the hope of qualifying by winning these two games because they need Nigeria in that World Cup.”
When asked about head coach Eric Chelle, Utaka urged the public to back him.
“To be honest, he is doing well. We have to give him a chance to do his thing. He is the coach, so we have to support him.”
Utaka emphasized the unpredictable nature of football, saying South Africa or Benin Republic could still drop points.
“It’s not over till it’s over. We must keep our hopes up and fight to the end. This is football, and we have seen things happen.”
Utaka is a youth coach at Montpellier HSC. He earned 47 caps and scored six goals for Nigeria between 2001 and 2012, representing the Super Eagles at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups.
He also featured in the squad that finished third at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 43 year old enjoyed a successful club career, playing over 44 Premier League games for Portsmouth, where he won the FA Cup in 2008.
In France, Utaka made 239 Ligue 1 appearances with Montpellier, Lens, and Rennes, and won the Ligue 1 title with Montpellier.
