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Sam Elijah, former Nigerian midfielder has urged the Super Eagles to approach Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau with maximum focus.
Nigeria opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, but Elijah believes the performance exposed areas that must be addressed before the next fixture.
The former midfielder called on head coach Eric Chelle to review his approach and ensure Nigeria do not take their opponents lightly.
Elijah demands stronger preparation
Elijah stressed that securing three points against Madagascar was the most important outcome, despite his reservations about the Super Eagles’ display.
“The match against Madagascar is an eye opener and a match that we should go back to the drawing board and start all over again,” Elijah said in an interview with All Nigeria Soccer.
“If you look at the performance, it is not in the high level but my joy and happiness is that we go our three points.
“This is not a friendly match, tournament, but a qualifier. Which is why I said, I am happy that we got the three points that matter.”
He also urged Chelle to move away from unnecessary experimentation and select the players he believes are best equipped to deliver the required result.
“Now we have gone beyond trying to experiment with players, we need to settle down and the coach knows the players that would give us the desired result,” he added.
‘There are no more minnows’
Elijah believes Nigeria must show greater respect to every opponent, warning that the gap between African teams can no longer be taken for granted.
“We don’t need to gamble, we need players that are committed. We need players that would play according to instructions. There are no more minnows if it comes to football in Africa and the world. It is the way you prepare yourself,” he warned.
The former midfielder described the Guinea-Bissau fixture as a must-win encounter and called for improvements in both the technical and tactical preparation.
“So the preparation should on top gear by the coach, technically and tactically. The boys must come out highly committed and determined. It is a must win match for us. We need to approach the match with all diligence,” Elijah said.
Elijah also praised George Ilenikhena, who scored on his Super Eagles debut against Madagascar.
“He has really done well. To score a goal is not easy. For him to come in and give this great performance, I think he would do better,” he said.
“My message to him is to make sure he comes up with a better performance in the next match. I think the future is bright with him.”