Former West Bromwich Albion forward, Peter Osaze Odemwingie, has called for change to the Super Eagles of Nigeria playing style.
Osaze says Nigeria must play a more attacking style to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He shared his views in an interview with Brila FM.
At 43, Odemwingie has moved on to a new career in golf, having completed a professional course. Reflecting on Nigeria’s recent World Cup qualifiers, he emphasised the need for a tactical change.
The Super Eagles’ performance in their last Nations Cup was not entertaining, mainly due to defensive strategies under coach Jose Peseiro during the 2023 AFCON.
READ MORE: 2024/2025 NPFL matchday one fixtures announced, kickoff date confirmed
“We have the players and materials needed,” Odemwingie said. “Personally, I didn’t enjoy watching our team play in the last Nations Cup because we didn’t perform like our usual selves. We need to play defensively against top teams like Germany, Argentina, and Brazil, but be more ambitious in the African Cup. If we remember that while playing our remaining games, we can compete with any team on their home soil. We need to know we have to win these away games.”
The Super Eagles are currently without a coach after Finidi George resigned following just two games in charge. Odemwingie hopes for a quick resolution to help the team regain stability and focus.
He stressed the importance of harmony within the team, saying, “Hopefully, there will be no drama in the team, and we pray for peace and harmony so we can get the job done for the collective good. Nigeria needs to know we are a big team in Africa. We shouldn’t play like smaller teams. We need to attack in numbers and trust our defenders and goalkeeper. We must be ourselves and recapture what’s missing in our football today.”
