National Teams
“Names do not play football anymore” — Okechukwu Azubuike slams current Eagles
By Monsurah Olatunji
Nigeria international Okechukwu Azubuike has highlighted two crucial areas for the Super Eagles to focus on as they strive to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Çaykur Rizespor midfielder, who was part of Nigeria’s 2016 Rio Olympics squad alongside William Troost-Ekong and John Mikel Obi, stressed the need for improved teamwork and effort.
The Super Eagles currently sit in fifth place in their six-team qualifying group with only three points from their first four games. They drew at home to South Africa and suffered a surprising defeat against Benin, putting their chances of qualifying for the World Cup in serious jeopardy.
Azubuike, reflecting on the team’s recent performances, pointed out that the Super Eagles have not been playing to their potential and need to enhance their work rate and ball control.
“We are one of the best teams in Africa, but right now, names don’t play football. I think we need to run more,” he said in an interview with Afrik-foot.
“I saw the last two games; I think we need to run more as a team and play better football. For a very long time, we have not seen the Super Eagles play the type of football we are used to.
“If we can keep the ball more and run more than the opponent, then I believe we are going to scale through.
“Like I said, names do not play football anymore; there are no small teams, no underdogs. So hopefully, if we run better, we will make it out of the group and qualify for the World Cup.”
Azubuike’s comments come as a call to action for the Super Eagles to step up their game and improve their chances of making it to the 2026 World Cup.
