Former Super Eagles striker Julius Aghahowa has shared his insights on the team performance in their two World Cup qualifying matches against Benin and South Africa under former coach Finidi George.

In an exclusive interview with Brila Media, Aghahowa remarked that while the players showed effort, particularly in the match against Benin, they lacked a sense of urgency and appeared too relaxed.

“In the last game that we lost, the players started very well; they were aggressive for the first 30 minutes,” the former Striker remarked.

“They were agile, but after we scored the goal, as usual, they relaxed in the game and we thought it was going to be an easy win. That has always been the problem, when you score one, you relax, and there’s no urgency.”

“Everybody just relaxed, trying to showcase their skills. Before you know it, the opponent switches tactics, you make a mistake, and they score. That’s exactly what happened.”

He also noted that the team lacks strikers who make runs behind the opponent’s defense.

“Everybody wants to get the ball at their feet; nobody is trying to make those runs that, even if you don’t get the ball, you come back and try again.

“We need strikers who will make runs behind defenders and also players who can pick out that kind of players and deliver the ball.”

The 42-year-old however expressed his confidence that the Super Eagles will still qualify for the 2026 World Cup.