Former Super Eagles defender and 2002 World Cup star, “Ifeanyi Udeze”, has criticised the performance of Nigeria’s home-based team following their disappointing 1-0 loss to Senegal in the opening Group D match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
As reported by Sport buddy, the home base players lost to Senegal in their opening match. The match, played at the Amani Stadium in Tanzania, saw Senegal’s Christian Gomis score the only goal in the second half, handing Nigeria an early setback in the tournament.
Udeze: “They’re Playing to Impress Scouts”
Speaking on Brila FM, Udeze expressed disappointment with the mindset of the players, accusing many of prioritising personal exposure over national pride.
- > “They see this tournament as an opportunity to sell themselves to foreign clubs,” Udeze said.
He added that many players seemed more concerned about catching the eyes of foreign scouts rather than securing victory for the nation.
Udeze Urges Coach Chelle to Act Like a Psychologist
The former left-back advised head coach Eric Chelle to assume a more psychological role in managing the squad, saying the players must be reminded that CHAN is about team effort.
> “Chelle must now play the role of a psychologist. He needs to tell the players to play as a team and stop playing individual football because this is a tournament,” Udeze stated.
Despite the poor start, Udeze still believes Nigeria has a shot at advancing, but only if players change their approach quickly.
> “I saw a lot of mistakes, and I believe Eric Chelle also saw the mistakes. But I still have hope they’ll come out of the group,” he concluded.
Next Match Against Sudan
The Super Eagles B will aim to revive their CHAN campaign when they take on Sudan on August 12 in their second group game.
