Former Super Eagles defender, Sam Sodje, has called on the current squad not to lose focus following their 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in the AFCON 2024 opener.
Acknowledging the disappointment of not securing a win, Sodje emphasized the need for the players to understand the challenges of the competition and maintain confidence heading into the next game against Ivory Coast.
Sodje commented, “I think we wished that we started well with a win, knowing Ivory Coast won their game and to ease the pressure, a win would have done us really well, but it didn’t happen. So we have to move on now, it’s a tournament, we have to get over that and move on to the next one.”
Analyzing the match, Sodje pointed out the initial positive moments in the game but highlighted a lapse that led to conceding a “very, very bad goal.”
He also noted concerns about the midfield, suggesting tactical adjustments that could have been made.
Expressing understanding for the players’ potential demoralization, Sodje stressed the importance of confidence, stating, “So I’m sure they will be low at the moment, but we see what’s going on in the AFCON at the moment, different teams, shocks have been happening.
We saw what happened to Egypt and Ghana. So we shouldn’t be too harsh on these players. Let’s encourage them to go out for the next one.”
Sodje’s insights reflect a balanced perspective on the challenges faced by the Super Eagles and the importance of constructive encouragement.
As the team prepares for the crucial clash against Ivory Coast, the former defender’s words serve as a rallying call for support and confidence in the players’ abilities to navigate the complexities of tournament football.
