Former Super Eagles striker John Utaka has urged caution in the wake of Nigeria’s painful failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that a complete overhaul of the squad would be the wrong reaction ahead of next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Utaka, who represented Nigeria at two World Cups and was known for his blistering pace and discipline, argued that the current squad must not be dismantled despite the national disappointment.
Read Also: Shettima Mohammed Promises Fresh Dawn As Nigeria Shooting Federation Ends Years Of Turmoil
He said that while emotions are understandably high, tearing up the team at this stage would only create instability before a major continental tournament.
According to the former Montpellier and Portsmouth forward, the current group of players has developed chemistry over time — something he believes is crucial for tournament football.
Utaka stressed that introducing a new team now would reset the progress made and force the coaching crew to start from zero, a risk that Nigeria cannot afford with AFCON only weeks away.
He acknowledged that mistakes were made during the World Cup qualification campaign but insisted that the players must be allowed to correct those errors together. Utaka believes continuity, not panic-driven change, offers Nigeria the best chance of mounting a serious challenge in Morocco.
The former Super Eagles star also noted that while fresh legs will eventually be needed as part of long-term planning, that process should be gradual and strategic rather than emotionally driven.
He dismissed the idea that the squad should be torn down simply because of one failure — even as painful as missing a second consecutive World Cup.
Utaka urged the NFF and coaching staff to focus fully on AFCON preparations, calling for proper planning, early camping, and a united front.
He emphasised that the players now have something to prove and that the disappointment of the playoff defeat could fuel a determined response at the continental showpiece.
