Skipper Ahmed Musa has expressed concerns about players’ discomfort with harsh criticisms from both the media and fans, attributing such critiques as a contributing factor to the current under performance of the team.
The Sivaspor winger highlighted the need for a more supportive environment to foster player confidence and optimal performance.
The Super Eagles, facing heightened scrutiny following a lackluster performance against the Crocodiles of Lesotho last Thursday, are gearing up for another challenge.
The team is set to clash against Zimbabwe in a crucial matchday two World Cup qualifier at Stade Huye in Butare, Rwanda.
The Ex Kano Pillars man said the upcoming fixture is however an opportunity for the team to bounce back and silence critics.
“We have a lot of players who should not have retired from the team when they did but it was what the media reported that forced them out,” Musa lamented.
“As you can see, we still need someone like Mikel Obi in the team, we still need Victor Moses. “It’s not all about young players in the team because you need players to take them along, but right now we don’t have that.”
“Please, I am begging the media to please take it easy with these young boys, they can’t take too much pressure.
“That is why whenever they go onto the pitch to play they panic because they are thinking about what they are going to see on their accounts on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.”
“What do you think forced Odion Ighalo out of Eagles? They threatened to kill his family, and he had to quit.
“Why will you threaten to kill my family just because I play for my country. When you go outside, you see how they worship us, but when you come back home they treat you like nobody,” he said.
