Erstwhile Golden Eaglets Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke has highlighted the need for the Super Eagles to have a creative edge heading into the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The Nigerian side have scored just two goals from their last four friendly matches, losing three and drawing one.
Read Also | Aubameyang Confesses Love For Eagles Jersey
‘Most of our midfielders are markers – Ndidi, Onazi, Joel and Ogu. Mikel Obi is perhaps the only playmaker but it makes it easy for opponents to squeeze the team by marking Mikel out,’ Amunike told SportingLife in an exclusively chat from his base in Spain.
‘It is good we have fighters in the team but when the creative edge is not there the strikers are stave of good service and it can be worrying to any manager when the forwards are not scoring.’
The former Barcelona went o to advise the team to stay focus and respect each opponent at the Mundial.
‘I’m not worried about the recent results of the Eagles but it will definitely temper with the team’s confidence. However, the friendlies give them the opportunity to analyze everything properly and correct mistakes,’ he said.
MORE | Roma Votes Eagles Nike Jersey As Best
‘The World Cup will throw up bigger challenges and the Eagles needs to be ready. The boys must humble themselves and focus because it will not be a child’s play out there and their opponents will be prepared.
‘The boys must forget that they had it easy during the qualifiers and be ready to put in the work required. They must know when to what to do at all times including defending without the ball and stay as a unit.’
Nigeria are in Group D and play their first match against Croatia on June 16 before facing debutants Iceland on June 21 and familiar foes Argentina on June 26.