Former Nigeria international Kadiri Ikhana says the Super Eagles must improve on their goalscoring form as they take on their Round of 16 opponents at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations currently going on in Egypt, Completesports.com reports.
The Super Eagles beat Burundi and Guinea 1-0 each in their first two Group B games but lost 2-0 to Madagascar in the last match to finish second in the pool behind the Barea.
Nigeria will face the second-placed team in Group F which could Benin Republic, Ghana or Guinea-Bissau whose matchday-three games will be decided on Tuesday.
Ikhana frowns at Super Eagles’ poor attacking form, stressing that it is important that the Gernot Rohr’s men stepped up in that department in the knockout stages.
“I’ve noticed the Super Eagles are not doing well in the attack'” the former El-Kanemi Warriors, BCC Lions, 3SC, Sharks, Nasarawa United and Sunshine Stars coach told Completesports.com.
“The team’s attack has lacked cohesion in the last three games.
“The two goals we have scored just came against the run of play.
“I just hope that the team will get much better,” Ikhana stressed.
Ikhana, 67, was part of the then Green Eagles squad that won the AFCON 1980 in Lagos – the first time for Nigeria following a 3-0 thrashing of Algeria in the final on March 22 1980.
Ikhana who handled the Nigeria’s U23s in 2004 and the Super Falcons in 2012, rates the current Super Eagles as the youngest Nigeria has produced, admitting most of the players are featuring in the big stage as AFCON for the first time.
“You know these players are young, maybe the youngest we’ve ever had,” Ikhana said.
“Most of them are new in the AFCON. There is none of them that could be ranked in the class of Daniel Amokachi, Jay Jay Okocha, Finidi George, Rashidi Yekini, among others of the 1994 era.
“In terms of AFCON experience, the 1994 squad had participated in the tournament several times before and had gathered the experience unlike this present team.
“So, personally, I will doff my hat for them if they go all the way to win the trophy in Egypt. It is not always easy for a group of young players to attend a tournament of this nature for the first time and win it,” Ikhana said.
By Sab Osuji
3 Comments
I can, bet $10,000 dollars, Nigeria will go home after the next match. They are all a bunch of average players who got lucky to be invited to National team. The good ones are the one that never see actions.
As for the most lazy dump old coach, l feel like really do him in because of the pain and shame he has brought upon the Nation. I feel like, if l were in a position to get near to this guy, l would love to spite on his old stupid face. To loose to a mare Madagascar is just too much to bear. He must loose the next match possibly by 4 or 5 goals we if play Ghana, or Carmeroon.
Come on, lets do this maths, the newbee Madagascar beat Rohr led team by 2 zero, how many goals will that fearsome Ghana or Carmeroon score against our National team call super kitchens. If you guess right, l shall send you my private address for your contact. l shall send you the sum of One thousand US dollar. This is no fluke. Don’t forget that most of these players are money seeking average players that are bench warmers in their various Clubs, eccepts Iwobi, Osimhen, Henry the highly rated young and upcoming Chukweize.
Mr. Edoman is really angry now. I understand your frustration papa Edoman. The way you sounded, if you see the coach one on one, you can cut his head off lol. Ahahah.
I’m still surprised that you are so shocked that this team can letting you down like this. For me, mba. I just pity my Country name.
Madagascar 2 Nigeria 0. Very shameful.
All the same, it’s about winning the tournament and it’s also about having a good team.
With God and Nigeria spirit, never say die, the players can turns the table.
After this tournament, I’m sure that something good will happened.
It is our beloved Super Eagles, let support them to the end. Let’s be patient Papa Edoman. This team needs your prayer as an elderly person. Please pray for the team. Ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!
Omo9ja so you are here now calling for patient. Why are you consoling Edoman? Leave him na him get him money. No problem I know you’re already praying that we should lose you’re just here pretending to be supporting the team. When we were winning it is because of the players and not the coach. Now that we lose it’s all about the coach and the NFF. It is the result that you’ve praying for over the past year and half congratulations now you’re happy that we lost so that you can crucify the coach. I’m sure if we win you will shout hosanna. We know the real fans from the fair weather fans.