Former Nigeria international Juwon Oshaniwa has raised concerns over the Super Eagles’ defensive solidity following their 3–1 victory over Uganda, warning that the team’s inability to keep a clean sheet could prove costly in the knockout stages of AFCON 2025.
READ ALSO: AFCON 2025: Akor Adams Urges Nigerians To Keep Backing Super Eagles
Oshaniwa pointed out that Nigeria have now conceded goals in all their matches at the tournament, failing to register a single clean sheet during the group stage.
“That is a big concern,” Oshaniwa said. “You cannot keep conceding goals and expect it not to affect you in the knockout rounds.”
Despite Nigeria’s perfect record of three wins from three games in Group C, the former left-back believes defensive lapses remain a worrying trend that must be addressed urgently by the coaching crew.
“The Super Eagles have quality going forward, but defensively they need to be more compact,” he added. “At this stage of the competition, mistakes are punished.”
Oshaniwa stressed that knockout football leaves no room for error, noting that conceding goals can quickly change the momentum of tight games.
“When you reach this level, one goal can decide everything,” he said. “The coaches must find solutions now before it costs the team.”
While commending Nigeria’s attacking strength and winning mentality, Oshaniwa maintained that balance is key to going far at AFCON.
“You can’t rely only on scoring goals,” he concluded. “A strong defence wins tournaments.”
Nigeria finished top of Group C and will now turn their attention to the Round of 16, where Oshaniwa believes defensive discipline will be critical to sustaining their AFCON 2025 title challenge.
