By Amaechi Agbo
Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Ayegbeni has urged patience and calm following Nigeria’s 2–1 victory over Tanzania, insisting it is too early to judge the team or the new coaching setup.
Speaking to sports journalists at the Fes Stadium in Morocco, Yakubu acknowledged the pressure on the Super Eagles, especially after failing to qualify for the World Cup. According to him, playing the opening game under such circumstances was always going to be difficult, making the win even more significant.
Reacting to Victor Osimhen’s performance, the former Everton forward defended the striker despite missed chances, stressing that hard work and contribution to the team matter just as much as goals. Yakubu noted that Osimhen worked tirelessly throughout the game and was unlucky not to score, adding that missing chances is part of a striker’s job.
Assessing Nigeria’s overall display, Yakubu admitted the Super Eagles were not at their best and highlighted areas for improvement. He pointed out that Tanzania created dangerous chances and could have punished Nigeria, but praised the team for staying resilient and securing all three points.
Looking ahead to Nigeria’s next fixture against Tunisia, Yakubu warned that it would be a tougher test. He emphasized the need for unity, hard work, and collective fighting spirit, noting that Nigeria cannot afford to be careless against stronger opposition.
On questions surrounding Eric Chelle’s tactics, Yakubu called for patience, stating that one game is not enough to pass judgment on a coach or his philosophy. He urged fans and analysts to allow the team time to grow and improve as the tournament progresses.
Yakubu concluded by stressing that while the performance can improve, the most important takeaway from the match is the victory, which provides a solid foundation as the Super Eagles look ahead to their next challenge.
