Former Super Eagles player, John Utaka has spoken and analyzed Nigeria’s heartbreaking defeat to DR Congo, a 1–1 draw followed by a 5–4 penalty shootout loss that ended the country’s dream of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.
Speaking to Brila Net, Utaka said the match was full of positives but ultimately decided by moments that Nigeria failed to manage.
John Utaka, who earned 48 caps for Nigeria and featured at the Africa Cup of Nations and two FIFA World Cups, has sent a message that Nigeria must learn from the setback, avoid panic, and rebuild with a long-term, structured plans.
With AFCON approaching, Utaka warned the team to avoid emotional changes but believes the core of the team has what it takes to compete, provided stability and strategic planning guide the journey ahead.
The former winger admitted the result was painful not only for the players but for millions of Nigerians.
John Utaka Breaks Down Super Eagles’ Defeat to DR Congo
While analyzing Nigeria’s match, Utaka explained that the penalty shootout was balanced and could easily have gone Nigeria’s way.
“The game against DR Congo, the first half was very good and they did well. The only thing is we conceded.”
“If we had defended that goal until the end of the first half and made them doubt, we would have won the game.”
“The match went down to penalties and the outcome could have gone either way. There were misses on both sides and it came down to individual brilliance and technique.”
“The game was a bit even on both sides but when it comes to penalties, you know how it goes.”
“Of course it is painful not going to the World Cup for the players and Nigerians. These are always lessons to learn and that is how I look at it.”
“It is sad that we have failed to qualify twice in a row.”
John Utaka Blames Missed Opportunities Before the Playoffs
Utaka questioned some of the decisions and performances leading up to the playoffs, noting that Nigeria allowed the situation to become more difficult than it should have been.
“The only question is what should we have done to make it better? The chances we had before getting to the playoffs, maybe if we had won some key games we would have been in a better situation.”
He cautioned against emotional reactions following the defeat.
“We have come to the stage where we are not happy and we can blame a lot of things because it did not go as we wanted.”
“If we had lost two or three zero, I would have said we didn’t even push, but we tried. We scored first, they came back, and we went to extra time.”
Utaka added that frustrations can cloud judgment when emotions run high.
“When you are angry or not happy about something, you can say a lot without paying attention to other things.”
“For sure, we could have done better.”
Match Assessment: “They pushed more in the second half”
Analyzing the flow of the game, Utaka explained that Nigeria started stronger but lost momentum as the match progressed.
“When I watched the game, we had more chances in the first half in terms of shots on goal. But in the second half and extra time, they pushed more than us.”
He reiterated that penalties are unpredictable, and the defeat amplified criticism.
“Penalties are a thin line and I feel if it had gone in our favour, people would not have complained much.”
“The fact that we lost made people see more.”
Read More: Utaka Hails Super Eagles, Backs Team for World Cup Qualification
Read More: Super Eagles: Dessers Is Overdue for Competitive Match – Utaka
Read More: “It was Painful” – Julius Aghahowa Laments Super Eagles’ World Cup Miss
AFCON Ahead: “No, you don’t need to bring in new players”
Turning attention to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, John Utaka advised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the coaching crew to avoid wholesale changes.
“No, you don’t need to bring in new players. Most of the present boys understand what it means.”
“Bringing in new players should be for maybe next year’s Nations Cup.”
He argued that maintaining the current squad is crucial for team chemistry but warned that introducing too many new faces could cause instability.
“You have to use your team because there is understanding between the players right now. I believe they know their errors and will try to amend things.”
“Bringing five to ten new players, who are you going to replace? The players there are consistent and understand each other well.”
“New players will need time to adapt and that can take a long time. There is also pressure and it might destabilize things.”
