Former Nigeria international Edema Fuludu has voiced both optimism and caution as the Super Eagles prepare for their all-important World Cup playoff encounters against Gabon and potentially Cameroon or DR Congo, urging the players to maintain consistency and mental focus throughout the two-legged tie in Morocco.
In an interview, the former midfielder, who was part of the historic 1994 squad that lifted the AFCON trophy, admitted that Nigeria remain strong favourites to progress, but warned that overconfidence could prove costly. Fuludu said he had full faith in the team’s ability to deliver but added that the Super Eagles’ unpredictable form in recent games remains a cause for concern.
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“I am very optimistic about our chances because we have the quality, the experience, and the hunger,” Fuludu said. “But I’ve also seen how this team performs when everyone expects them to win easily — that’s when they sometimes disappoint. We need consistency, discipline, and a killer instinct.”
He highlighted that Nigeria’s best performances often come when the players are under pressure or written off by critics, citing their spirited run to the AFCON final earlier in the year. However, he stressed that the playoffs require an even higher level of concentration, describing them as “90-minute battles where one mistake could end the dream.”
Fuludu also advised the technical crew, led by Eric Chelle, to stick with a settled lineup and avoid unnecessary tactical experiments. “This is not the time to start trying new ideas,” he said. “Play to the team’s strength — solid defence, quick transitions, and using our attacking power through players like Osimhen, Lookman, and Chukwueze.”
As the Super Eagles continue preparations in Rabat, Fuludu urged Nigerians to rally behind the team, reminding fans that qualification for the World Cup remains a national project. “Every time Nigeria plays, the whole continent watches. We’ve done it before, and we can do it again — but only if we stay focused and consistent,” he concluded.
