Former Super Eagles forward, Obafemi Martins has pointed out a major issue he believes is holding back the current Nigerian national team’s lack of unity and teamwork.
The Super Eagles might boast some of Africa’s biggest football stars, but their recent performances suggest that star power alone isn’t enough.
Martins, now 40 and retired, played 40 times for the Super Eagles and scored 18 goals during his time with the team.
Speaking on the Football Fanstribe show, the former Inter Milan striker said that while Nigeria has plenty of talented players today, they aren’t playing as a team.
“At that time, we had a team but now the team is not actually there,” Martins said. “The names are there, but the team isn’t there.”
Martins was asked to compare his time with the Super Eagles to the present squad, and the former forward didn’t hold back.
“Osimhen as a striker is doing his, Ademola Lookman is doing his, but we need collective team effort.
“We need to play together. Osimhen can score 100 goals, and if we don’t go anywhere, it’s like the goals are nothing.”
Despite big names like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman the winners of the last two CAF African Player of the Year awards, Nigeria is struggling in their current World Cup qualification campaign.
After a disappointing set of results, including a shock loss to Benin Republic, Nigeria is at serious risk of missing consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments.
The team currently sits fourth in their qualifying group with seven points from five games six behind group leaders South Africa.
With just four games left to play, the Super Eagles have left themselves with a mountain to climb.
