Former Super Eagles defender and Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medalist Mobi Oparaku has delivered a passionate message to Nigeria’s senior national team, demanding an immediate response from the players following their disappointing performance against Guinea-Bissau, Sports247.ng reports.
Oparaku insisted that the Super Eagles must approach their remaining Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures with aggression, determination and a greater sense of responsibility, stressing that representing Nigeria goes beyond individual talent and technical ability.
Speaking about the team’s recent struggles, the former international declared that the players must demonstrate the hunger and commitment required to restore public confidence.
“The players have to go in there and just demolish everything that is around,” Oparaku stated.
“It’s not about playing football anymore. It’s about you as a person.”
The former right-back explained that the challenge facing the players is now psychological, with national pride and the expectations of millions of Nigerians becoming more important than individual performances.
“It’s not about the game anymore. It’s about how you think your people feel about you and your team,” he stressed.
Oparaku challenged the players to consider the disappointment of supporters who continue to follow the national team despite frustrating results.
“How are they going to feel? How are my people going to feel?” he questioned.
He maintained that Nigerian footballers must understand that wearing the national colours carries responsibilities beyond their professional careers.
“They have to realise that it’s not about them anymore because they are footballers,” he explained.
“We are here watching. They have to start thinking about us that are watching, not them playing.”
Oparaku’s remarks underline the growing expectations surrounding the Super Eagles as they seek to regain momentum and rebuild confidence ahead of crucial international assignments.
The former defender believes the players possess sufficient quality to deliver improved performances but must demonstrate greater urgency, sacrifice and emotional commitment.
For Oparaku, the message is unmistakable: Nigeria’s footballers must stop thinking only about themselves and start playing for the millions of supporters whose hopes rest on their performances.