Former Super Eagles midfielder Duke Udi has called on interim coach Augustine Eguavoen to take firm action against underperforming players following Nigeria’s disappointing recent showings.
The Super Eagles are yet to secure a win in their first four games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers managing three draws and a loss, leaving them fifth in Group C behind rivals Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.
However, under Eguavoen’s stewardship, the team successfully qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, finishing top of their group with three wins and two draws, despite a home defeat to Rwanda.
Udi expressed his dissatisfaction after Nigeria’s recent 2-1 loss to Rwanda in the qualifiers.
He questioned the players' commitment, pointing out their inability to replicate their European club form when representing the national team.
Udi: Boniface not suited to Super Eagles & African football
“There are some players in the Super Eagles squad now that Eguavoen will know are only good at club level, not for the national team—about five players now.
“This also happened with Westerhof, but he had the brains to notice and stop calling up those players.”
The former Enyimba star emphasized the unique challenges of African football and its differences from the European game.
“African football is different from European football. Some players succeed in both environments—Osimhen is one of them. He can adjust to any terrain, but some players cannot.”
Victor Boniface is the latest to come under criticism, having failed to translate his club form to the Super Eagles.
The Bayer Leverkusen forward has managed just one goal in 11 national appearances, in stark contrast to his prolific club performances.
