Former Tremendous Eagles midfielder Friday Ekpo has urged Nigeria to rapidly transfer previous the heartbreak of lacking the 2026 FIFA World Cup and refocus their power on the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
With the match quick approaching, Ekpo says the workforce should embrace unity, willpower and psychological reset in the event that they hope to revive nationwide satisfaction.
Ekpo believes that organising a couple of pleasant matches forward of the AFCON would go a good distance towards rebuilding workforce chemistry and giving the gamers a possibility to shake off the emotional weight of their World Cup failure. In keeping with him, the psychological restoration is simply as vital because the tactical preparation.
“They should reset mentally, and pleasant video games will assist them regain cohesion,” Ekpo stated, stressing that that is the second for the squad to return collectively and struggle with function.
The previous midfielder additionally issued a cautionary warning: no workforce on the AFCON must be underestimated. He famous that the match has change into extra aggressive than ever, with each taking part nation boasting sturdy expertise and the potential to trigger main upsets.
“Each nation coming to AFCON has high quality. In the event you underrate anybody, you’ll be punished,” Ekpo warned.
He added that the strain of getting missed two consecutive World Cups shouldn’t cripple the workforce however as a substitute function a strong supply of motivation. Ekpo believes that worry should be became hearth, pushing the gamers to present all the pieces on the pitch.
“The frustration ought to encourage them, not maintain them again,” he insisted.
With AFCON looming and expectations excessive, Ekpo’s message is obvious:
Overlook the justifications, rebuild the bond, sharpen the mentality — and struggle like a workforce hungry for redemption.
