Former captain John Mikel Obi emphasizes the crucial need for Jose Peseiro to address the vulnerabilities in the Super Eagles’ defense and goalkeeping department ahead of the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire.
The uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeper position adds to the team’s challenges, with first-choice Francis Uzoho lacking confidence due to recent poor performances.
In response, Peseiro has called up Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwanbili to bolster the team.
The Peseiro’s defensive pairing of Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, has yet to deliver a clean sheet, raising concerns as the tournament’s kickoff approaches in less than ten days.
Mikel stresses the urgency for decisive action to rectify these issues and enhance the Super Eagles’ chances of success in the upcoming competition.
“When it comes to the striking department, I think right now we are blessed. We are blessed with a lot of players there. [Taiwo] Awoniyi is doing well for Nottingham Forest and also for the national team. We also have Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen, who is doing really well.
“So we are quite blessed when it comes to striking force. But we just have to fix some little issues with the defence and goalkeeping. I think if we can be able to do that, we’ve got a very good chance.” He told CNN World Sport.
The Super Eagles are drawn in Group A alongside the hosts, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea.
Nigeria will start their campaign on January 15 with their first group match against Equatorial Guinea.
