Mutiu Adepoju, a three-time World Cup veteran, has advised Nigeria coach Eric Chelle to aim directly for victory in their World Cup qualifiers – www.isagoal.com reports.
The former Super Eagles midfielder reminded Chelle that nothing short of wins will calm fans still unsettled by the team’s early exit from the CHAN tournament.
Speaking to allnigeriasoccer.com, Adepoju insisted the players must stay concentrated, adding, “The advice is for him and the players to be focused and go for the win. Because that’s what is going to make everybody happy.”
He warned against any complacency, stressing that one victory does not guarantee qualification, as the team must chase points in every remaining match.
Adepoju also addressed concerns over Ademola Lookman, who has yet to play for Atalanta this season after missing two opening league games.
Despite the absence, the ex-Real Madrid man believes the forward will be ready for Rwanda, saying, “Lookman is a professional player… I don’t see any reason why he should not be in the team.”
Lookman recently resumed training after his transfer push to Inter Milan stalled, keeping hopes alive for his return to action with the national team.
Nigeria currently sits fourth in Group C with six points, behind leaders South Africa, and will need consecutive victories to strengthen their World Cup qualification chances in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
This article was updated 1 hour ago