Julius Aghahowa: Former Nigeria Striker Highlights a Key Deficiency in Current Super Eagles Team

• The Super Eagles of Nigeria currently face the significant risk of missing out on the 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup
• The West African powerhouse recently lost to the Republic of Benin, which led to the resignation of coach, Finidi George
• Former striker of the Super Eagles, Julius Aghahowa, has detailed what he believes the current crop of Nigerian team lacks

The recent performance of the Super Eagles of Nigeria is currently a major topic of discussion in the country’s footballing community.

The African football powerhouse failed to cover itself in glory as it recorded two underwhelming results, including a defeat against the Republic of Benin in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification fixture.

The string of poor results eventually led to the resignation of the team's coach, Finidi George, who had only been in charge of the team for 47 days.

Nigeria Players Spotted Studying New National Anthem Ahead of South Africa Clash: Video

Football

However, in the aftermath of the disappointing results and eventual resignation of the manager, former striker of the Nigerian team, Julius Aghahowa, has shed light on the perceived deficiencies plaguing the current Super Eagles squad.

Aghahowa speaks on Super Eagles

In an interview with Brila.net, the former Wigan forward highlighted a significant deficiency in the current Super Eagles team. He emphasised the lack of forwards making runs behind the opposition’s defence, stating:

“Everyone wants the ball at their feet. But no one is making those runs. Even if you don't get the ball, you come back and try again.

We need strikers who can always make those runs behind defenders. And we also need players who can spot those runs and deliver a pass."

The former Shakhtar Donetsk forward concluded by expressing confidence in the Super Eagles' ability to qualify for the World Cup in the Americas.

Nigeria vs South Africa: Key errors in Finidi's debut as Super Eagles coach

Football

Nigeria currently sits fifth, only ahead of Zimbabwe in Group C standings, with three draws and a defeat in their first four qualification fixtures per data courtesy of Fotmob.

Aghahowa explains why NFF cannot hire an elite coach

Sports Brief in another report stated that former Nigeria forward, Aghahowa, has explained why the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) might struggle to appoint a top-tier coach for the national team.

The former Wigan striker alluded to the financial situation of the federation among other factors.