Former Super Eagles midfielder Friday Ekpo has cautioned the national team against complacency as they prepare for their crucial World Cup qualification playoffs next month in Morocco.
Nigeria advanced to the playoffs after a dramatic turnaround in the group stage, but Ekpo insists that the toughest battles are still ahead.
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Speaking ahead of the decisive fixtures, the former international urged the players to maintain full concentration, warning that any lapse in focus could prove costly.
“There are no easy games at this level,” Ekpo said. “Every team that made it to the playoffs deserves to be there. The Super Eagles must stay disciplined, focused, and determined because one mistake could destroy everything we’ve worked for.”
Ekpo, who represented Nigeria at the senior level in the 1990s, noted that the playoffs often produce surprises and that Nigeria must approach every opponent with respect.
“Even top footballing nations like Portugal have had to go through the playoffs to reach the World Cup,” he added. “It’s not a walk in the park. The Super Eagles have the quality, but they must show hunger and professionalism.”
The former midfielder emphasized that the team’s mentality will be key in Morocco, where the playoff matches will be decided over two legs. He urged the players to draw inspiration from the country’s rich football history and make Nigerians proud once again.
“We’ve missed the World Cup once — it must not happen again,” Ekpo said. “These players must know what’s at stake. They’re not just playing for themselves; they’re playing for over 200 million people who love this team.”
