Former Nigerian international Mutiu Adepoju has expressed his disappointment with the Super Eagles’ performance against Zimbabwe, stating that he expected a more aggressive approach from the team.
Nigeria’s 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium has jeopardized their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, leaving them fourth in Group C with seven points, six points behind leaders South Africa.
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Speaking to Flashscore, Adepoju criticized the team’s game management, particularly in the later stages of the match.
He said, “The boys didn’t play badly, but poor game management at the end cost us the result.
“I expected them to be more aggressive when Zimbabwe looked like they might take the lead and not let them reach our area. That could have stopped their momentum in the final moments.”
Adepoju, a 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner, remains optimistic about Nigeria’s qualification chances but acknowledges the increased difficulty.
He continued, “We were on the right track after our win in Rwanda, but our result against Zimbabwe set us back. If we had won, we would have had nine points, but now we have only seven. Before the game against Zimbabwe, I said Nigeria might qualify for the World Cup, but it would be tough. Now, it is even tougher.”
