The former FC Porto and Sporting CP manager is under huge pressure after leading the three-time continental champions to two disappointing results in just four days
Former Nigeria international Greg Etafia has urged head coach Jose Peseiro to find the right team balance for the Super Eagles to get back to winning ways, Soccernet.ng reported.
Nigeria drew their first two matches despite being favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification race.
Despite having a squad full of exciting strikers such as Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Terem Mofi, Umar Sadiq and Victor Boniface, the Super Eagles were held to 1-1 draws with weak Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Only two goals were scored.
Peseiro’s Eagles lack a quality central midfielder to give space to a number of Nigerian attackers who are performing well in Europe’s top five leagues.
Etafia argues that this imbalance caused by Peseiro’s desire to invite all of Nigeria’s best strikers to Europe will do more harm than good to the national team.
The former Lovistas goalkeeper urged the Portuguese tactician to only work with centre-forwards who fit his game plan.
Etafia, who is currently the goalkeeping coach at South African club TS Galaxy, is optimistic that Nigeria can bounce back from the setback and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
“As the writing progresses, Nigeria will become stronger,” Etafia told Sunday World.
“We have good players. It’s just the coaches who are having trouble finding balance.” In soccer, you can’t invite the entire camp.
“Instead of calling up all the best players and not using them, you have to know what kind of football to play to get results.” A manager cannot satisfy all superstars. .
“But it is still too early to decide on the groups. We (Nigeria) have only played two games so far, but there are many more to come.
“The Super Eagles still have a big chance to bounce back and become strong contenders for World Cup qualification.”
“We can’t afford to miss two World Cup tournaments in a row. That’s a big problem for Nigerians.” Fans are not happy and if the association had the money they would have already sacked the manager. Deaf.
“People are nervous because Germany, France, Portugal and Italy have good players. So there is no excuse (for coaches to lose games).”
Rwanda’s shock 2-0 home victory over South Africa on Tuesday significantly increased Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the Mundial.
Despite dropping four points in the past week, the Super Eagles are still one point behind second-placed South Africa and two points clear of surprise Group C leaders Rwanda.
