Former Nigerian goalkeeper and Olympic silver medalist, Ambrose Vanzekin has praised the Super Eagles for a decent performance following their start to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
Speaking on Brila FM’s “No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze”, Vanzekin shared his candid thoughts on the team’s performance and what they need to work on going forward.
“The game they played against Benin, I didn’t expect much because the team was lacking many things,” he remarked.
“What was lacking? Determination—the spirit of ‘today, we no go gree.’ That fighting spirit, that hunger to win at all costs, was missing.”
For Vanzekin, it wasn’t just about talent but the mindset.
“But they played well and now, we need to work on keeping possession and retaining the ball better,” he added, noting that these areas could significantly improve Nigeria’s game.
Despite the team’s flaws, Vanzekin had nothing but praise for interim coach Augustine Eguavoen.
“Eguavoen is a good coach, and the way he motivates players, even when they are down, is commendable,” he said.
Nigeria’s interim head coach, Austin Eguavoen during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Benin Republic. Photo | X
“I just hope that even if he’s not interested, the NFF will see him as worthy and ask him to be the coach. He has what it takes to lead the team.”
Also Joining the discussion, Taiwo Enegwea, a former Nigeria international, highlighted the positives from the Super Eagles’ games.
“The attitude towards games is now better than before. They should maintain that tempo and even increase it. The way and manner in which we are playing is encouraging, but there’s always room for improvement.
“The coaches and players are relating better now, and the more you give them confidence, the better they will perform.” he stated.
Players of the Super Eagles defend against an opponent during the 2025 AFCON Qualifying match against Rwanda.
He also pointed out that the growing confidence in the team from both the public and the players themselves is key to getting back to Nigeria’s former glory.
“People are now having more confidence in the team, so they should keep putting in the effort. With more work, we can get back to the level we were at before.”
