Former Tremendous Eagles defender Sam Sodje has suggested Nigerian gamers to embrace each reward and criticism from followers, insisting that it comes with the territory of representing the nation on the highest stage.
Sodje, who earned caps for Nigeria throughout his enjoying profession, stated that footballers should develop psychological energy and maturity to deal with public scrutiny — particularly throughout intense World Cup qualifying durations.
“Whenever you play for Nigeria, you’re all the time within the highlight,” Sodje advised reporters. “Followers will speak — it’s their ardour. In the future they love you, the subsequent day they criticise you. That’s soccer. Gamers should study to take it in stride and use it as motivation to carry out higher.”
The ex-defender identified that fan criticism shouldn’t be seen as hostility however as an expression of expectations from a football-loving nation. He added that social media has amplified reactions, however it additionally offers gamers an opportunity to show doubters flawed by their performances.
“You’re solely nearly as good as your final recreation,” Sodje continued. “That’s the fact. One of the simplest ways to silence critics is by giving your all each time you put on the inexperienced and white.”
Talking on Victor Osimhen, who has been the topic of heated debates amongst followers in current weeks, Sodje got here to the Napoli striker’s defence, describing him as one of the vital dedicated gamers within the squad.
“Victor performs along with his coronary heart. He offers every thing — his ardour is unmatched,” he stated. “Followers will all the time have opinions, however gamers like Osimhen deserve credit score for what they create to the pitch each single recreation.”
Sodje concluded by reminding the Tremendous Eagles to maintain their concentrate on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stressing that psychological toughness and unity will make the distinction when the playoffs start in Morocco.
