Nigerians Slam Super Eagles After Poor Show Against Zimbabwe

• Mar 26, 2025

The Super Eagles faced heavy criticism from fans after a disappointing performance against Zimbabwe in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier. The team needed a win to strengthen their chances of making it to the 2026 World Cup but failed to deliver in front of a packed crowd at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Despite high expectations, the team played sluggishly, with most players underperforming. The only bright spot was Victor Osimhen, whose goal in the 74th minute gave Nigeria hope. However, Zimbabwe equalized in the 90th minute, leaving the Super Eagles with just a point.

Osimhen has been Nigeria’s key player in the qualifiers, scoring all three of the team’s goals across two matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. However, his efforts alone have not been enough to turn Nigeria’s campaign around. The team now sits fourth in their group with only seven points from six games—one win, four draws, and a defeat.

Fans React to Super Eagles' Performance

Frustrated Nigerian fans took to social media to express their disappointment with the team’s performance. Gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey blamed the players for losing focus after taking the lead. He criticized their lack of urgency, saying, "You score just one goal and suddenly think you’ve qualified. Zimbabwe walked into our net unchallenged."

Football journalist Tobi Samuel questioned the team’s mentality, comparing the current squad to past Super Eagles teams that played with more character. He wrote, "Our home venue used to be a fortress. Now, we’ve failed to beat Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and even lost to Benin Republic on a neutral ground."

Chima Daniel pointed out the team’s lack of structure, intensity, and teamwork. He stated, "Unlike Morocco, Senegal, or Egypt, we don’t play as a team. We have good players, but no cohesion or tactical system."

Other critics, including Daniel Regha and Solace Chukwu, blamed both the players and coach Eric Chelle for the poor results. Chukwu particularly faulted Chelle’s substitution decisions and defender William Troost-Ekong’s failure to stop Zimbabwe’s equalizer.

Overreliance on Osimhen a Concern

Many fans expressed concern over Nigeria’s heavy reliance on Osimhen. Choji ES warned, "The moment Osimhen left, the team collapsed. Depending on one player is a disaster waiting to happen."

Some fans suggested that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should focus more on home-based players instead of foreign-based stars who may lack the hunger to fight for the team. Omobude Lazarus recalled how homegrown talents helped Nigeria win AFCON in 2013, emphasizing the need to bring back players with real passion for the national team.

What’s Next for the Super Eagles?

Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup now hang in the balance. The Super Eagles will return to action in September when they host Rwanda on the 1st before facing South Africa on the 7th. The team must improve drastically if they want to stay in contention for a spot in the tournament.