Former Super Eagles’ captain, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha has pinpointed some reasons why the Nigerian national team has failed to shine in recent years, and concluded that lack of commitment is their biggest problem.
Sports247.ng reports that Okocha, who played for Eintracht Frankfurt of Germany, Fernebahce of Turkey, PSG of France and Bolton Wanderers of England during his heyday, reckoned that the current generation of players need to put in better efforts when donning Nigeria’s jersey.
He opined as much during a recent media parley, in which the Nigerian legend, who was hailed in England as ‘so good they named him twice,’ stressed that being successful in football goes beyond just having talent for the game.
Jay Jay, who also played for Hull City of England and was nicknamed ‘The Emperor’ by the UK media, added that the current Eagles have not been able to match the heroics of his time because the squad lacks established performers.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have too many superstars in the team,” added the gold medalist at Tunisia ’94 Africa Cup of Nations and Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games.
“Don’t get me wrong. They are stars in their own right, but we are still remembered because the present set have not surpassed our achievements and talent.”
He then spoke about efforts he and other members of ‘The Golden Generation’ of Nigeria’s national team have put in to ensure that the current set of players meet up to high standards of the past, especially with regards to winning the Africa Cup of Nations.
He added: “I won the gold at first try in 1994 and I thought it was easy; but I later realised how difficult it is to win it.
“That’s the experience that I am trying to pass on to this generation. I want to let them understand that, if you have the opportunity, make sure you achieve it for Nigeria.
“That’s how to be a true Nigerian. I can’t be here and not get involved in talking about how to get things right.
“I also want to be involved in terms of leadership, in terms of motivation and letting the players understand what it means to play for your nation.
“I also want to make them know what it means to play at the Nations Cup. Some of these players are not familiar with our route and growth.
“They need someone who has been there and has done it to remind them that this is a different ball game. Playing the Nations Cup is different from what they are seeing with their clubs in Europe. They need people like us to talk to them privately.”
The BBC African Footballer of The Year 2004 and twice runner-up for CAF’s official gong for the same prize then posited with some positive factors that can help the Eagles’ present squad excel and even win the next AFCON.
“We try to get them to play to their strengths, but football is also more than tactics. Football is from the heart, and you have to be committed.
“The minimum you can do is make sure you push hard and sweat in the national team’s colours. You also need to stay as disciplined as you can,” Okocha concluded.
