The Super Eagles have been warned to start strong in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Former Nigeria international and coach Nduka Ugbade issued the warning, citing the team's heartbreak from missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. Ugbade emphasized that the team cannot afford to treat their opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea with anything less than full seriousness.
Ugbade recalled that Nigeria went into the last World Cup qualifying series believing points against the Democratic Republic of Congo were guaranteed, only to fall short in the end. He stressed that that costly complacency must never be repeated. Ugbade urged the team to remain ahead on both points and goal difference throughout the qualifiers. He also warned against underrating Madagascar, pointing to their shock 2-0 victory over the Super Eagles at a past AFCON tournament.
The former U-17 World Cup-winning captain addressed the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen from the squad, admitting his unavailability leaves a significant gap. Ugbade described Osimhen as a player whose personality, finishing ability, and overall presence are difficult to replace. However, he insisted that the rest of the squad must rise to the occasion in his absence, just like top footballing nations like Brazil and Argentina cope when key men are missing.
Ugbade urged the Eagles to make full use of home advantage, noting that the opening qualifier will be played on Nigerian soil. He believes maximum points at home would ease the pressure when the team travels for the reverse fixtures, allowing Nigeria to approach away matches with greater composure and control. This, he said, would give the team a better chance of success in the qualifiers.
Beyond results on the pitch, Ugbade did not shy away from the administrative turbulence surrounding Nigerian football, involving the Nigeria Football Federation, the government, and FIFA. He appealed to Nigerians to rally behind the team regardless of the boardroom troubles, arguing that instability off the field inevitably affects output on it.
Ugbade renewed his call for greater investment in coaching education and a more scientific approach to player development. He cited how Nigeria could borrow discipline from Germany, possession-based intelligence from Spain, and physical power from England to sharpen its own football identity. This, he believes, would help the team to become more competitive in the long run.
Ugbade’s intervention comes at a defining moment for Nigerian football, with the Super Eagles determined to avoid a repeat of the World Cup qualifying collapse. His message was unambiguous, noting that Nigeria must fight from the very first match, take nothing for granted, and treat every point in the qualifiers as one Nigeria cannot afford to drop. The team faces a tough challenge ahead, but with the right approach, they can achieve success.
Key points
- Ugbade warns Super Eagles to start strong in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
- Former Nigeria international and coach Nduka Ugbade emphasizes the importance of not underrating Madagascar.
- Ugbade calls for greater investment in coaching education and a more scientific approach to player development.
