Former Super Eagles CB, Taribo West argues that it is advantageous to have old and experienced players in the Team for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

West believes the young guns in the squad need to learn the traditions and workings of tournaments like the AFCON.

In chat with BRL, the former Defender reacted to questions of several Veterans named in Nigeria’s 41-man squad for the competition.

“Experience is really needed. AFCON has its own spirit, the younger boys need to understudy under someone,” West said.

“(Ahmed) Musa, (William-Troost) Ekong are required in the team as they have experienced the AFCON and the World Cup and they know how it goes.

“These elders also ease the coach’s job to motivate and drive. I’m seeing light at the end of the tunnel. The older the team, the better it is. Even during my time, we had the likes of Oliseh, Jay Jay, Amokachi to guide us into the tournaments.”

On the matter of the team’s Goalkeeping situation, Taribo West said:

“We don’t know the back story, we need to address the cause of the problem. Could be match fright or anything. Francis (Uzoho) is not a bad goalkeeper, I believe he had a good start.

“Getting a new goalkeeper at this time is risky because there is no time to figure things out anymore, it’s straight to the AFCON from here.”

“Although a good example was Enyeama. Someone needs to talk to him (Uzoho) to get his head in the right place.”

The Super Eagles’ camp opens on January 2, in Abu Dhabi before the squad heads off to Ivory Coast.