Ex-Nigerian Striker Highlights Super Eagles Struggles Amid World Cup Qualification Woes

Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has highlighted a couple of issues with the national team amid the struggle to qualify for the World Cup. 

According to Aiyegbeni, the Super Eagles struggle to play passes together and often opt to play long balls instead. 

He also highlighted the frequency of how players come and go in the national team which doesn’t help coaches to build. 

Aiyegbeni made these remarks as the Super Eagles are on the brink of missing out on consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments. 

Nigeria’s striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni runs for the ball during their Group B first round 2010 World Cup football match on June 22, 2010 at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban. NO PUSH TO MOBILE / MOBILE USE SOLELY WITHIN EDITORIAL ARTICLE AFP PHOTO / JUNG YEON-JE (Photo credit should read JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images)

“Super Eagles can’t pass six passes. When they pass a bit, they will kick it long. We can’t build a team like this.

“The Super Eagles uses a lot of players. If you play one good game, you will be invited. We change players all the time.”

Nigeria are at risk of not qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States next summer as they currently sit third in Group C with 11 points from eight matches. 

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles might have a narrow chance of making it to the mundial following FIFA’s investigation into South Africa’s use of an ineligible player during the qualification series. 

If found guilty, South Africa will lose three points and three goals which will see them fall to second place behind Benin Republic. 

South Africa currently lead the group having amassed 17 points. 

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