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Former coach Claude Le Roy has voiced his concerns regarding the actual strength of the Super Eagles' offense following their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
As the Africa Cup of Nations approaches in Morocco, Le Roy is worried about the limited number of goals Nigeria scored during the qualification series.
Nigeria participated in 12 matches but managed to score only 20 goals, and Le Roy emphasized that these goals were predominantly against less formidable opponents.
He stated to Canal +, “When you don't qualify for the World Cup and you're Nigeria, I'm not impressed by the statistics of 20 goals in 12 matches considering their offensive potential.”
The experienced French coach, who won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1988, remarked that the goals scored by Nigeria were not against “formidable teams but rather Benin and Gabon, so we need to view this realistically.”
At 77 years old, he mentioned that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle would have had a more effective strategy for the upcoming AFCON had Nigeria secured a spot in the World Cup.
“The elimination significantly hampers his preparation for this AFCON,” he added.
Nigeria is anticipated to lead Group C in the Africa Cup of Nations, where they will compete against Uganda, Tanzania, and Tunisia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Nigeria fail to qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Nigeria's failure to qualify was attributed to insufficient goals scored during the qualification matches, as they only managed to net 20 goals in 12 games.
What are the concerns raised by Claude Le Roy regarding the Super Eagles?
Claude Le Roy expressed doubts about the Super Eagles' offensive strength, particularly highlighting that most of their goals came against weaker teams.
What challenges does the Super Eagles face heading into the AFCON?
The Super Eagles are facing challenges in their preparation for the AFCON due to their recent elimination from the World Cup, which has impacted their strategy and readiness.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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