Jan. 25, 2022

Former Super Eagles’ Chief Coach, Christian Chukwu, has urged the Super Eagles to move on with future national assignments after crashing out of the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Chukwu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Tuesday that the Super Eagles should put the AFCON competition behind them and focus on qualification for the World Cup in Qatar.

“It is clear that our AFCON trophy chase is over. Let us come home, take stock and plan for our world cup qualifying encounter with Ghana.

“Judging from my personal experience as a player and coach, the boys brought in their best and did their best in the AFCON competition.

“They fought gallantly in each match they played.

“I am not happy with the red card given to Iwobi in the last match played by the Super Eagles as it should be a mere warning. He did not deserve a card at all,” he said.

Chukwu, who captained the national team when they were known as the Green Eagles, also lauded Coach Austin Eguavoen for the team spirit and discipline he built in the players.

“From all we can observe, Austin has handled the national team in the AFCON competition with a high sense of experience and professionalism, which resulted in no complaint from any quarters against him.

“He did great in the competition. He is still outstanding among other African coaches in the ongoing competition,” he said.

On what next for the Super Eagles, he said that the Super Eagles must get ready to beat the Black Stars of Ghana in the two-leg ties for qualification for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

“Once we are able to beat Ghana home and away, we are automatically at the World Cup this year. I pray we will get to that level once more,” he said.

NAN reports that the two-leg encounter for final qualification for Qatar 2022 between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Black Stars of Ghana will be played between March 21 and March 29.

The 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup, tagged: “Qatar 2022”, is scheduled to take place between Nov. 21 and Dec. 18, 2022. (NAN)