Former Nigerian coach Fatai Amoo has stressed the importance of the Super Eagles securing qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations before attempting a major squad rebuild.
Speaking in an interview with Brila.net, Amoo said the immediate priority must be ensuring Nigeria qualifies for the tournament, while gradually introducing new players into the squad.
“Now we should get our bed ready first to make sure they (senior players) feature in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, and for us to qualify. That’s very important we can’t gamble with that.
“Those playing who have established themselves in the national team, we know what they can do.”
He added that experimentation with new players should happen carefully during the qualification process.
“When we qualify then we will start looking for both Nigerian players home and abroad, it won’t be bad if we take a gamble every now and then during the qualifiers; introducing one or two new players at least in the squad even if not starting.
“But we must ensure we qualify first and we have the players to qualify in the group we have found ourselves if we don’t joke with it.”
Missing 2026 World Cup Still Hurts
Amoo also said the disappointment of missing out on the FIFA World Cup should serve as motivation for both the players and the football authorities.
“Our players won’t be happy about not qualifying for the World Cup; just look at the buzz. So, I think it’s good to ensure we qualify for the AFCON when we do we will start looking at new players, and we aren’t going to change the whole team overnight.”
Using Arsenal as an example, Amoo explained that rebuilding a successful team requires patience and consistency.
“Look at Arsenal, they won the league because of consistency. Apart from Gabriel, Saliba and Saka that Arteta met when he first joined the club, he built the team with gradual introduction of the others; rejuvenating his team, I think the same thing should happen to us.”
Victor Osimhen and Co should lead New Eagles
He further stated that Nigeria should continue relying on top-performing players such as Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman while introducing other in-form players into the squad.
“We know Osimhen and Lookman are the happening boys by way of performance. We can find replacements for the ones that are comfortable with their bench roles in the national team.”
Change of Attitude
He concluded by stressing the need for improved commitment from the players who are called to the Super Eagles.
“We ought to fix how we plan for games, from ferrying players to camp to their arriving on time.
“As a Federation, you must have a time limit so players won’t be arriving a day or two before the match except if it’s an unavoidable situation.”
Fatai Amoo earned four official caps for the Nigerian national team, then known as the Green Eagles.
After retiring from football, he transitioned into coaching and became one of Nigeria’s respected football managers, handling top club sides including 3SC and Sunshine Stars.
He also served as head coach of Nigeria’s U-17 national team and worked as an assistant coach with the country’s Olympic U-23 side.
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