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In the wake of the Super Eagles’ struggles in World Cup qualifiers, Nigerian legend Mutiu Adepoju has urged Interim Coach Austin Eguavoen to revamp the squad by including players in peak form to improve the team’s chances of qualification.
The Super Eagles recently suffered a 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
Despite topping their group with 11 points, the loss, Eguavoen’s first since taking over, has raised concerns as the team shifts focus to World Cup qualification.
Nigeria finds itself in a challenging position in Group C, sitting fifth with just three points from four matches.
They trail group leaders Rwanda, second-placed South Africa, and third-placed Benin Republic, all with seven points, and Lesotho, who sit fourth with five points. With six games left, the Super Eagles must win all to revive their World Cup hopes.
Criticism has mounted over Eguavoen’s recent squad selections, with some players reportedly underperforming at their clubs yet still receiving call-ups.
Adepoju, nicknamed the “Headmaster” during his playing days, emphasized the need to include players in top form to strengthen the team.
“I think players who are in-form and performing well at their clubs should be invited,” Adepoju told Complete Sports.
“Yes, there are players who have been with the team and have blended well, but the current performances of other players should also be considered.
“If players are doing very well at their clubs, I see no reason why they shouldn’t be called up to the Super Eagles.
You see, mentioning names isn’t my way. However, if someone like Arokodare [Tolu Arokodare of KRC Genk] is performing well at his club and the coaches notice him, he could be invited to blend with the team’s formations and philosophy.”
Adepoju believes these changes could help turn around Nigeria’s poor form in the qualifiers.
“I just believe that players who are performing well and are in good form should be given a chance,” he concluded.
With the World Cup dream hanging by a thread, calls for in-form reinforcements may be crucial as the Super Eagles face the uphill task of reclaiming their dominance.
