Former Super Eagles star Mutiu Adepoju has expressed support for interim coach Austine Eguavoen’s potential inclusion of in-form players in Nigeria’s senior national team as they prepare for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
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Speaking to Softfootball.com, Adepoju stressed that calling up players excelling at their clubs is crucial, even if it means altering the current squad mid-qualifiers.
“If players are doing very well at their clubs, I see no reason why they shouldn’t be called up to the Super Eagles,” Adepoju said.
Tough Times for Super Eagles
The Super Eagles suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match. The game, held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, marked Eguavoen’s first loss since taking charge.
Despite qualifying for AFCON 2025, Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign is hanging by a thread.
Currently fifth in Group C, the team has only three points from four matches, trailing group leaders Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin Republic, who all have seven points. Lesotho sits just above Nigeria with five points, leaving Zimbabwe at the bottom.
With matches against Rwanda (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in March 2025, the Super Eagles face an uphill battle to secure a World Cup berth.
Adepoju Advocates for Merit-Based Selections
Nicknamed the “Headmaster” during his playing days, Adepoju called for a merit-based selection approach, urging Eguavoen to monitor players excelling abroad.
“Yes, there are players who have been with the team and have blended well, but the current performances of other players should also be considered,” he said.
Highlighting specific examples, Adepoju mentioned Tolu Arokodare of KRC Genk, emphasizing that the striker’s club form should earn him a chance to integrate into the team.
“If someone like Arokodare is performing well at his club and the coaches notice him, he could be invited to blend with the team’s formations and philosophy,” Adepoju added.
The Road Ahead for the Super Eagles
With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resuming in March 2025, the Super Eagles have little room for error.
Eguavoen’s decision to revamp the squad or stick with the current setup will significantly impact Nigeria’s chances of progressing from Group C.
Adepoju’s comments underscore the importance of balancing squad continuity with fresh talent, a strategy that could help the team regain momentum and secure critical victories in their remaining fixtures.
For fans and pundits alike, all eyes will be on Eguavoen’s next move as the Super Eagles strive to reclaim their dominance in African football.
