Former Super Eagles striker Jonathan Akpoborie has suggested a playing style that he believes will be immensely helpful to Nigeria if adopted.
Akpoborie contributed to Nigeria's victory in the inaugural FIFA U-16 Championship in 1985, where he scored a goal in the final against the then West Germany.
Following this success, he represented the Flying Eagles at the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship in Chile. At the senior level, he represented Nigeria in the 1992 and 2000 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, achieving a bronze and silver medal respectively.
His debut at the senior level occurred during the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations, in which Nigeria secured third place against Cameroon.
He scored his maiden Super Eagles goal during a match against Mexico at the 1995 U.S. Cup on June 24, 1995. Akpoborie scored his second goal – an equaliser in the 48th minute – during a 1–1 draw against Kenya in a 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification match on January 12, 1997.
Jonathan Akpoborie advocates clarity in coaching appointments and technical oversight
In the midst of ongoing deliberations surrounding coaching appointments in Nigerian football, Akpoborie has joined the conversation, providing a valuable perspective on the intricate dynamics of coaching and technical advisory roles.
Drawing from his wealth of experience both as a player and a football analyst, Akpoborie highlighted the significance of recognising the unique skills and responsibilities inherent in coaching and administrative roles within the sport.
“Being a former footballer doesn’t guarantee you being a good coach and it also doesn’t guarantee you being a good administrator. A coach brings his style but the Technical adviser must know what the coach is going to come and do for the country. So the federation must have a template. Coaches are different, some are meant for the professional players while some are meant to develop players,” he explained.
Akpoborie urges proactive tactics and offensive play for Nigerian football triumph
The 55-year-old further offered his insights into the tactical approach the team should adopt. With his deep understanding of the game, Akpoborie shed light on the importance of proactive tactics and offensive play in achieving success on the field.
“We should adopt a more proactive approach, pushing our defensive line higher and confronting opponents upfront. By pressing aggressively, we can disrupt their attacks before they pose a threat to our goalkeepers. Embracing offensive play and expressing ourselves on the field will lead to better outcomes.”
Jonathan Akpoborie's professional football journey
Akpoborie began his professional journey at Julius Berger before venturing to the United States. In 1990, he made a move to FC Saarbrücken in the German Bundesliga.
Throughout his career, Akpoborie also played for FC Carl Zeiss Jena, Stuttgart Kickers (where he remarkably scored 37 goals in a single season), and Waldhof Mannheim, before ultimately joining top-tier club FC Hansa Rostock in 1995.
Following a two-year stint at Hansa, he transitioned to Bundesliga clubs VfB Stuttgart, with whom he reached the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final in 1998, and later VfL Wolfsburg in 1999.