National Teams
Brown Ideye criticizes Victor Osimhen for disparaging Finidi George
By Monsurah Olatunji
Super Eagles legend Segun Odegbami has provided a scathing assessment of the Nigerian national team’s defense, attributing their disappointing loss to Benin Republic and their diminished prospects of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup to a lack of quality in the squad.
In his latest Vanguard column, the 1980 AFCON winner noted that the defensive frailties have been an ongoing issue for over a decade. Odegbami also criticized the goalkeeping department, questioning the persistent selection of a goalkeeper he deemed “glaringly short on safe-hands.”
The 71-year-old former forward highlighted that only Ola Aina and William Troost-Ekong possess the quality required to represent Nigeria. However, both players were unavailable for the four matches played under Coach Finidi George. During their absence, the Super Eagles failed to keep a clean sheet, conceding six goals in four games, including two in a crushing defeat to Benin.
Odegbami lamented, “What has been staring the country in the face for over a decade is the dwindling number of exceptionally gifted players in many positions on the field. I cannot understand why two foreign coaches stuck to him. Is it confirmation that there is a deficit of great goalkeepers in the country?”
In midfield, Odegbami acknowledged the talents of Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi but noted their inability to match the quality of past greats like Henry Nwosu, Jay Jay Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, and Kanu Nwankwo as a significant problem.
“At the full-back positions, only Ola Aina has shown consistency and exceptional brilliance down the right side of the field over several years,” he wrote. “The left side has been the opposite, porous and so weak sometimes that Aina has had to be moved to the left side to cover up for this weakness on occasions.
“The center of Nigeria’s defense line has been weak. At AFCON 2023, William Troost-Ekong rose to the challenge and provided leadership and great cover for that weakness. The first goal scored by Benin Republic against Nigeria in the absence of William clearly confirms this glaring weakness. There are no bonafide central defenders currently in the Nigerian team.”
Odegbami’s critical analysis underscores the pressing need for Nigeria to address their defensive shortcomings to enhance their chances of success in future international competitions.
