The Nigerian Super Eagles team has been the subject of criticism recently, with many comparing their current form to the iconic 1994 squad. Former Super Eagles star, Emmanuel Amunike, has shared his thoughts on the matter, highlighting why it is unfair to compare the two teams.
Speaking on the LovingFootball show on Radio Now 95.3 FM Lagos, Amunike shed light on the evolution of football and the changes that have taken place over the years. He emphasized that every generation is different and that the game has evolved significantly since the 1994 team shocked many European teams, established themselves among African teams, and triumphed internationally by winning the Olympic title.
According to Amunike, the Nigerian football scene has not been able to aid its young players to be in a position to compete. He stressed the importance of tactical development in Nigerian football, stating that talent alone cannot win anything. He further emphasized that tactical decisions involve understanding when to lose the ball, where not to lose the ball, when to release the ball, and when not to release the ball.
Emmanuel also highlighted the misconception surrounding tactics, stating that it involves movement on the ball and off the ball, and how you defend as a team when you don’t have the ball. He expressed his belief in the potential of Nigerian football and the need to invest in the aspect of tactical development.
The Super Eagles are currently on track to lock up their spot in the next Africa Cup of Nations competition as they are slated to face the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone. However, it is essential to develop Nigerian football from a tactical point of view to compete on the international stage and improve the team’s current form.
