Afcon2023: Chukwu not impressed with Sao Tome defeat as Pereiro talks about Aribo in action

Sep 12, 2023 - 13:06

Former Super Eagles Coach, Christian Chukwu, has called on players and officials of the Super Eagles to focus more on winning matches against ‘bigger’ teams ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which begin in November.

According to a report in The Guardian Chukwu shortly after the Super Eagles dispatched Sao Tome and Principe 6-0 in their last group of the 2023 Afcon FCON qualifier on Sunday, in Uyo the players should intensify efforts to make sure they raise their standard before the World Cup qualifiers.

He urged the Super Eagles to see the 6-0 win against Sao Tome and Principe as a call to keep working hard ahead of other major matches.

“I feel Super Eagles players and coaches should focus more on beating ‘bigger’ footballing nations. The World Cup qualifier will kick off in November, and Nigeria will be facing countries like South Africa, Benin Republic, Lesotho, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe. Apart from South Africa, which seems to be a tougher team in the group, I believe the other countries are not pushovers.

“The Super Eagles should work hard, and they must not lose the World Cup ticket again. More emphasis should be on raising the standard of their game,” he stated.

Chukwu, a former coach of Harambee Stars of Kenya, also called on Super Eagles manager, Jose Peseiro, to give more domestic players the opportunity to showcase their skills in the senior national team.

“The victory against Sao Tome and Principe is good for the Eagles, but notwithstanding, I wished more domestic players were given the chance to play in the game,” he said.

Meanwhile, for Peseiro, Joe Aribo's lack of minutes for Saints is not a problem for his international future.

The versatile Southampton man has struggled for minutes so far this season, only playing 33 minutes in the Championship across five matches.

He was linked with a move away over the summer, with Serie A side Hellas Verona reportedly interested - but he will remain at St Mary's until January at least.

That is not a worry, though, for the Nigerian manager who believes that Aribo's quality means he does not have to necessarily play regular minutes.

"But I believe in him. There are some players, not all of the players, I think they have quality and capacity even without playing in the club."

Since his international debut in 2019, the 27-year-old has played 23 times for his country and contributed two goals for the Super Eagles.

Aribo came off the substitutes bench in the 64th minute of Nigeria's 6-0 win over Sao Tome and Principe.

Peseiro added: "Of course, he didn't get too much time but he played.