Ex-Super Falcons coach Godwin Izilein said the Super Eagles of Nigeria have failed to improve their playing pattern under new coach Jose Peseiro.
Izilein who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Calabar, stated that the 10-0 mauling of Sao Tome and Principe in a 2023 AFCON qualifier in Morocco did not convert to the fact that the squad had arrived.
The ex-Super Falcons handler who lamented lack of inventiveness in the midfield, claimed the team continued to demonstrate that lukewarm mentality in their play.
Izilein stated that his evaluation was based on the matches performed under the new coach.
According to him, “I have yet to see anything fresh; it’s still the same old pattern of play; lukewarm approach toward games should be modified,” he says.
“They don’t have a fighting attitude; only Victor Osimhen does, and he doesn’t get decent balls from the wingers. He (Osimhen) requires deep penetrating passes.
“The fundamental fact is that we are still not playing as a team; individual play is still extremely obvious in our games.
“There is also a need to inject a speed aspect into the team; they are too slow for my liking.
“Creative midfielders are another lacking link. This will increase the effectiveness of our attack while also covering the defence.
“Our wingers should also keep in mind that fantastic goals are often scored from pull-outs.
“There is nothing new with the Eagles under the current coach for us to be celebrating 10 goals; we have yet to find that Eagles rhythm.”
Izilein suggested Peseiro to hunt for players in Nigeria’s local league who could complement the foreign-based players.
