Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has identified Nigeria’s defensive organisation as the only major hurdle standing between the Super Eagles and AFCON glory in Morocco.
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Speaking ahead of the Round of 16 clash against Mozambique, Oliseh said Nigeria possess the most potent attack at the tournament so far, but warned that defensive lapses could derail their title ambitions if not corrected quickly.
The former midfielder explained that improving the backline will require greater support from the midfield, stressing that defenders should not be left isolated against opposition attackers.
According to him, modern tournament football demands collective defending, with midfielders tracking back and helping to close spaces.
Oliseh praised Nigeria’s attacking depth and creativity, noting that the Super Eagles have shown they can score goals against any opponent.
However, he cautioned that knockout matches are often decided by small margins, where a single defensive mistake can change everything.
He added that concentration, communication and positional discipline will be crucial as the competition enters its decisive phase.
Oliseh believes that if Nigeria can tighten up defensively while maintaining their attacking intensity, they will be difficult for any team to stop.
The Super Eagles will face Mozambique on Monday, 5 January, in Fès, with Oliseh confident that addressing defensive balance could pave the way for Nigeria’s fourth Africa Cup of Nations title.
