Former Nigeria international Mobi Okparaku has urged the Super Eagles’ technical crew to urgently address the team’s defensive weaknesses as they head into the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
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Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s Round of 16 encounter against Mozambique, Okparaku expressed concern over the Super Eagles’ inability to keep a clean sheet during the group phase. Nigeria conceded in all three matches despite finishing top of Group C with maximum points.
Okparaku warned that while the team’s attacking firepower has delivered results so far, knockout football leaves little room for error, stressing that defensive mistakes become more costly as the tournament progresses.
The former defender noted that relying on outscoring opponents may not always be sustainable, especially against well-organized sides capable of punishing lapses at the back.
He emphasized the importance of concentration, positioning and communication in defence, calling on the coaching crew to find a lasting solution quickly.
According to Okparaku, keeping clean sheets at this stage could be the difference between progressing and crashing out, adding that a match could come where goals are hard to find.
Nigeria will face Mozambique on 5 January in Fès, with the Super Eagles seeking to balance their attacking strength with defensive stability as they push for a fourth continental title.
