Greg . 2 days ago

EXCLUSIVE: Kwambe rallies Super Eagles ahead of Sudan clash, confident of CHAN success

Former Nigeria defender Solomon Kwambe has issued a passionate rallying call, urging the Super Eagles to move toward their African Nations Championship clash against Sudan with the intensity and concentrate of a final.

Eric Chelle’s men kicked off their campaign with a narrow 1-0 loss to defending champions Senegal, as Christian Gomis scored the decisive goal in Zanzibar City.

To keep their title dreams alive, they must navigate past the decided Falcons of Jediane, who squandered their lead to complete with a 1-1 sketch against Congo.

Drawing on his confidence in the team’s potential, the former Sunshine Stars and FC Tulsa star urges the squad to learn from their missteps against the Lions of Teranga and tackle every upcoming match with the mindset of a final showdown.

"The Super Eagles must learn from their mistakes in the opening game.

In a competition of this magnitude, losing the first match means every subsequent game becomes crucial," Kwambe told Betopick.

"The clash against Sudan should be treated like a cup final, with the team concentrated and decided right from the referee’s first whistle.

 "In fact, each remaining match should be moved toward with the intensity and urgency of a final until they reach the actual final.

 "While the game against Senegal is behind them, the team can still reflect on what moved wrong and make the necessary adjustments.

By correcting those mistakes, they can escape repeating them and keep their hopes of progressing alive.

"A win over Kwesi Appiah’s side and the Congolese national team would secure the Super Eagles a place in the quarter-finals, where they could confront one of the co-hosts Uganda, Algeria, South Africa, Niger Republic, or Guinea.

Never write off Super EaglesNigeria make their return to the competition after missing the last two editions in Cameroon and Algeria.

For perspective, the Super Eagles were runners-up in their most recent appearance.

Arriving at CHAN 2024 with hopes of finally lifting the coveted trophy, their campaign struck an early bump with an opening-day beat to Senegal; a result that raised doubts over their ambitions.

 Still, defender Kwambe remains optimistic, recalling the 2014 CHAN, where his team also stumbled in their first match yet moved on to claim third place.

"Looking at the group, it’s quite open, and a win against Sudan would almost guarantee progression to the next round," Kwambe continued.

"If I possessed the chance to speak with the players, I’d share my own undergo from South Africa.

After we lost our opening game against Mali, it sensed like the world was against us.

 "However, we rebounded support by defeating Mozambique in the second match, and that victory expanded our confidence, helping us complete the competition strongly.

 "I would recommend the team not to write themselves off or support beat prematurely.

There is still plenty of football left to play, and their ambitions are very much within reach.

 "With the right mindset and determination, they can turn things around and make a deep run in the tournament.

It’s all over staying concentrated and believing in their ability to succeed.

"Kwambe in action for NigeriaISSOUF SANOGO / AFP / AFP / ProfimediaThe Lobi Stars captain also weighed in on criticisms that coach Chelle possessed not selected the finest talents from the Nigerian top flight for the tournament, urging the players in camp to seize the moment and make the most of their international stage.

Kwambe added: "The negative comments from fans mostly stem from the loss against Senegal.

Possessed we won that match, the reaction would have been very different.

 "Also, selecting players for the national team in Nigeria is always a challenging task, much like in Brazil and other football powerhouses.

 "This country (Nigeria) is honored with an abundance of talented players, making it tough to pick the absolute best.

Every player has their moment to shine, and right now, this is their time.

 "They must embrace it with confidence, regardless of what critics say.

This is their opportunity to prove themselves on a big stage.

They should concentrate on being excellent ambassadors for the country and offer their best effort in every game.

 "The support and belief from fans matter, but ultimately, the players need to stay committed and dedicated to making the nation proud.

"Shina OludareBetopick News