Samson Siasia, the former head coach of the Super Eagles, believes that in order for the players to have a chance to compete for the championship at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, they need to perform better.

In their last two games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, the Super Eagles were by no means convincing.

The poor performance has made Jose Peseiro’s team’s chances of winning a fourth championship in Cote d’Ivoire uncertain.

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Siasia argued that in order for the players and technical staff to have any chance of having an influence at the AFCON, they must do more. Siasia was a member of the Super Eagles team that won the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia.

“I am concerned about the Eagles’ poor performances thus far, just like most Nigerians are. The former striker said in an interview with Channels TV that struggling against nations like Lesotho and Zimbabwe is not a strong indicator of a team poised to win the Africa Cup of Nations and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

We cannot be the best in Africa with this disorganised team, so let’s not fool ourselves. In addition to the coach’s requirement to sharpen the tactical approach, our players must be taught what it means to wear the green and white national uniform.

On January 14, at the Alhassan Quattara Stadium in Ebimpe, the Super Eagles will play Equatorial Guinea in the opening game of the 2023 AFCON.

On January 18 and 22, respectively, they will play the hosts, Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau.