Former Arsenal defender Johan Djourou, speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, has questioned whether the current Super Eagles squad are pushing themselves to the highest level following the recent setbacks faced by the national team.
Nigeria have suffered a series of disappointments in recent years, including missing out on two editions of the FIFA World Cup and also falling short in the final of the 2023 African Cup of Nations.
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The-three time African champions failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following their defeat to arch-rivals Ghana in the playoff round and were denied a place in the 2026 edition by DR Congo, who edged their CAF playoff final tie on penalties.
The former Switzerland defender addressed these issues when quizzed about what Nigeria might be missing after facing several setbacks in recent years.
“I think it’s a tough [question] because they haven’t, for example, they haven’t qualified for the last two World Cups, if I’m not mistaken and before, they were always there. Like when the likes of [Austin Jay Jay] Okocha, Yakubu [Aiyegbeni] were playing, The likes of [Joseph] Yobo and those kind of players. So, I mean the creativity is there”, Djourou exclusively told Footy-Africa.
Nigeria suffered another disappointment in last Wednesday’s semifinal match against Morocco at the 2025 African Cup of Nations, losing on penalties to the host nation.
It was their second penalty shootout defeat in three months, extending their wait for a fourth continental crown.
“Maybe I would say the experience is there as well, but, I mean when you say Victor Osimhen and [Alex] Iwobi, all the players, Lookman that they have, they have great, great players. Maybe not as impactful as they were before”, the Ivory Coast born defender added.
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“Like the game has changed as well. You know, those guys before, I would say were very hungry. And now, the football mentality has changed, you know, so I would say that you have great talents, but I don’t know if they’re pushing themselves to the limit that exactly what they were doing back in the days.”
Nigeria shift their attention to the bronze medal match against Egypt later today at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, as they look to salvage their tournament with a victory in that encounter.
