Former Tremendous Eagles striker John Utaka has urged warning within the wake of Nigeria’s painful failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting {that a} full overhaul of the squad could be the improper response forward of subsequent month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Utaka, who represented Nigeria at two World Cups and was recognized for his blistering tempo and self-discipline, argued that the present squad should not be dismantled regardless of the nationwide disappointment.
He mentioned that whereas feelings are understandably excessive, tearing up the group at this stage would solely create instability earlier than a serious continental match.
In line with the previous Montpellier and Portsmouth ahead, the present group of gamers has developed chemistry over time — one thing he believes is essential for match soccer.
Utaka burdened that introducing a brand new group now would reset the progress made and pressure the teaching crew to begin from zero, a danger that Nigeria can not afford with AFCON solely weeks away.
He acknowledged that errors have been made throughout the World Cup qualification marketing campaign however insisted that the gamers should be allowed to appropriate these errors collectively. Utaka believes continuity, not panic-driven change, gives Nigeria the most effective likelihood of mounting a severe problem in Morocco.
The previous Tremendous Eagles star additionally famous that whereas recent legs will ultimately be wanted as a part of long-term planning, that course of ought to be gradual and strategic fairly than emotionally pushed.
He dismissed the concept the squad ought to be torn down merely due to one failure — whilst painful as lacking a second consecutive World Cup.
Utaka urged the NFF and training employees to focus totally on AFCON preparations, calling for correct planning, early tenting, and a united entrance.
He emphasised that the gamers now have one thing to show and that the frustration of the playoff defeat may gasoline a decided response on the continental showpiece.
