Former Super Eagles defender, Sam Sodje, has voiced his apprehensions about the balance of the squad selected for the upcoming African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
Sodje particularly emphasizes concerns about an imbalance in the number of strikers and the lack of creativity in the midfield, citing potential challenges in winning games.
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“I feel we are not going to the AFCON with a balanced squad. We are taking too many strikers,” Sodje states, pointing out what he perceives as an overemphasis on attacking options.
He expresses a critical need for creativity in the midfield, highlighting the importance of players who can make forward passes and create goal-scoring opportunities.
Sodje doesn’t mince his words about the team’s defensive issues, stating, “We have been conceding goals right, left, and centre.”
He underscores the significance of a solid defence as a fundamental requirement to succeed in any tournament, suggesting that addressing defensive vulnerabilities should be a top priority.
The former defender doesn’t shy away from acknowledging challenges in the goalkeeping department, acknowledging, “It is a well-known fact about the problem we have in the goalkeeping department.”
Despite these concerns, Sodje maintains his support for the team and emphasizes the need for the right tactics and mindset to overcome these challenges.
Sodje points out the positive aspects, mentioning the presence of the best African player in the squad.
He expresses hope that with the right technical approach, the team can overcome their shortcomings. “Technically, I think we’ve got the players that can pull it off,” he notes optimistically.
While Sodje raises valid concerns about the squad’s balance, defensive issues, and midfield creativity, he remains a staunch supporter of the Super Eagles, hoping that the team can address these challenges with the right tactics and mindset as they strive for success in the upcoming AFCON.
