Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has identified Nigeria’s defensive organisation as the biggest factor that could determine how far the team goes at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
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Speaking as the competition enters the knockout phase, Oliseh praised the Super Eagles’ attacking power, describing it as one of the most dangerous at the tournament. However, he warned that defensive balance will be crucial, especially against top opposition in the quarterfinals.
“The attack is clearly the strongest part of this team,” Oliseh said. “Nigeria can score goals against anyone. But to win a tournament, you must also be solid at the back.”
The former midfielder stressed that improvement in defence does not rest solely on the back four, insisting that midfielders must provide adequate cover to avoid exposing defenders to overloads.
“For the defence to improve, the midfield has to help more,” he explained. “If defenders are left isolated, it becomes very difficult, no matter their quality.”
Oliseh believes that tactical discipline and teamwork will be tested when Nigeria faces a technically strong and organised Algerian side. He added that decision-making and concentration in key moments could prove decisive in a tightly contested knockout match.
The Super Eagles will face Algeria national football team in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Marrakesh, with a place in the AFCON semifinals at stake.
“Algeria are experienced and disciplined,” Oliseh added. “If Nigeria gets the defensive balance right and continues to use their attacking quality properly, they have a very strong chance of going all the way.”
As AFCON 2025 reaches its decisive stage, Oliseh’s assessment highlights a clear challenge for the Super Eagles: match their attacking flair with defensive solidity to keep their title dream alive in Morocco.
