Former Nigeria international and Sunshine Stars captain Sunday Abe believes there are silver linings for the Super Eagles despite their lackluster performance at the 2024 African Nations Championship.
Eric Chelle’s side stumbled out of the gate, falling 1-0 to Senegal in Zanzibar, then suffering a crushing 4-0 defeat to Sudan, which sealed their early exit.
After two matches, the Super Eagles have yet to score while conceding five goals, making CHAN 2024 Nigeria’s worst performance in the competition’s record.
Even so, the Nigerian top-flight icon remains optimistic, seeing positives as Chelle’s men continue to face heavy criticism for their underwhelming outing.
"It’s natural for Nigerians to feel disappointed with the Super Eagles’ performance, given our rich record in African football, but I believe there are many positives to take from their participation," Abe told Betopick.
"It’s important to acknowledge that many of these players are competing in their first major international tournament, so inexperience played a major role, and the pressure of expectations can be overwhelming.
"This tournament has provided a valuable learning experience, and I believe the team will grow from it.
With many of the players still very young, Nigeria has promising talent to build on for the future.
"After the competition, I recommend keeping this squad together and arranging friendly matches regularly to reinforce chemistry and cohesion.
"Eagles not short of talentMany criticised the selection procedure, claiming that some of the best talents in the Nigerian Premier Football League were overlooked for the biennial African tournament.
Abe shared his view, insisting that the team was already weakened before the tournament, while urging league organisers to take steps to make the NPFL more competitive, noting the stark difference when facing countries with stronger leagues.
"Their results (in CHAN 2024) don’t reflect a lack of talent in the squad.
The Super Eagles faced countries with highly competitive leagues, making it clear from the outset that the challenge would be tough," he continued.
"When a team struggles, there are always multiple factors at play.
I believe the players gave their all because no one enters a tournament hoping to lose.
"Had they won all their matches or even lifted the trophy, no one would question their quality.
Even after this competition, the players need full support.
"The squad faced injury setbacks and saw several key players transfer abroad, which added to the challenges.
This isn’t an excuse, but rather context to understand their performance.
"More importantly, the tournament provided invaluable experience, and now is not the time to assign blame, as the results are already set.
"Abe added, "We have quality talent in our domestic league, and this setback should serve as a wake-up call to league organisers.
"It’s crucial to take steps to make the NPFL more competitive, ensuring that future squads are stronger and better prepared for continental challenges.
With continued support and development, Nigerian football can return to its winning ways.
"Abe stated that the Super Eagles had all it took to succeed at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after narrowly defeating arch-rivals Ghana in the qualifying series.
"Qualifying for the competition is a significant relief for the country, as missing the last two editions was a setback for the Nigeria Professional Football League," he told Betopicks.
com.
"It deprived us of the opportunity to showcase the best talents from our local league.
"The victory was even sweeter because it came against Ghana, making it a fitting revenge.
They had previously denied us a spot in the last edition held in Algeria.
"I don’t usually make predictions, but based on how our boys played against Ghana, we are strong contenders to win the competition, with all due acknowledge to the other teams that have qualified.
"Before this edition, Nigeria had competed in three CHAN tournaments, with their best finish in Morocco 2018.
After beating Sudan in the semifinals, Salisu Yusuf’s Super Eagles suffered a 4-0 defeat in the final at Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, with Zakaria Hadraf scoring twice.
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