Wrong tactics responsible for Super Eagles below-par performance – Akanni

Ex-Nigeria international, Wahidi Akanni has faulted poor tactics for the below-par performance of the Super Eagles during the double-header 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Guinea Bissau.

The Super Eagles fell to a shock 1-0 loss on Friday, March 24, 2023 to the Wil Dogs which drew widespread criticism from fans. Although they made up with a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture in Guinea on Monday.

Akanni made the statement in an interview on Tuesday in Lagos.

Akanni urged the Head Coach of Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro, to get his tactics right, which he said were deficient in the last two games. He added that the changes made by the coach in the two games didn’t make any difference at all.

“His selection of players was also faulty with strikers not playing in the right positions. For instance, Onuachu was made to play together with Osimhen.

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“Some of the positionings are obviously not working, so that should be looked into,” he said.

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On the June 12 qualifying match against Sierra Leone, Akanni a member of the Nigeria national 1985 FIFA U-20 bronze medal-winning team, stated that with good tactics the Super Eagles shouldn’t struggle.

“Sierra Leone should not be that difficult with the caliber of players we have, but the match should be addressed differently.

“We should give some other new players the opportunity to showcase their talents, particularly in the midfield.

“The coach shouldn’t be so rigid and should play others invited to camp, every player brings something unique to the table,” he said.

Super Eagles are currently ahead in Group A with nine points, while Guinea Bissau are second with seven points. Sierra Leone have five points and Sao Tome are last with one point.