Exclusive: “Super Eagles Need More Than Talent to Soar” – Christian Chukwu

Christian Chukwu, a name synonymous with Nigerian football success, has weighed in on the current state of the Super Eagles following their 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

As the captain who led Nigeria to its maiden AFCON victory in 1980 and a former coach of the team, Chukwu’s insights provide a rare glimpse into what the squad needs to thrive on the continental stage.

In an exclusive conversation with SportsBoom.com, the football legend discussed the team’s talent pool, challenges in preparation, and their chances at AFCON 2025.

Rwanda Defeat: A Lesson in Attitude and Preparation

The Super Eagles’ surprising 1-0 loss to Rwanda in the qualifiers raised questions about their readiness. For Chukwu, the defeat was a wake-up call.

“Rwanda played with great determination, and we underestimated them, plain and simple,” he said.

“It wasn’t just about preparation; it was about attitude on the day. When you don’t take every opponent seriously, these things happen. However, I believe it’s a wake-up call for the team to work harder and avoid complacency going forward.”

Comparing Eras: The Class of 1980 vs. Today’s Super Eagles

Chukwu reflected on the differences between the golden squad of 1980 and the current team. While acknowledging the abundance of talent today, he emphasized the importance of unity and understanding.

“They are two different eras,” he said. “Our team in 1980 had a strong sense of unity and purpose. Those days, we were young, and in terms of character, we behaved like brothers and sisters. We weren’t the most individually gifted team, but we played for each other and for the nation.

"This current squad has more individual stars, but they need to develop that same spirit and understanding. A team isn’t built in a day. During our time, we started building the team from 1974, and by 1980, we could pass the ball to each other with eyes closed.”

The Need for Home-Based Players

Chukwu was critical of the lack of home-based players in the current Super Eagles setup, arguing that a mix of local and foreign-based talents is key to building a formidable team.

“This team is blessed with some of the finest players in African football, many of whom are excelling at the highest level for their clubs,” he acknowledged. “But the coach needs to utilize our home-based players as well.

"You cannot call 30 players, all foreign-based, and expect to have a balanced team. Does it mean we don’t have any good players in Nigeria anymore?

"If Nigeria wants to defeat any team and get a strong squad, it must start at home. Mixing home-based players with those abroad creates a very strong team.”

On Preparation and AFCON 2025 Hopes

Chukwu lamented the short preparation time given to the current team compared to his playing days, describing it as a major hindrance to success.

“You have a match on Sunday, and players are invited on Thursday. They train on Friday, prepare Saturday, and play on Sunday. Then they disperse on Monday,” he said.

“It was not like that during our time. We were camped for a long time, understood ourselves well, and built trust.  That’s why we were confident playing any team, anywhere. This kind of preparation is what the current team lacks.”

Despite these concerns, Chukwu remains cautiously optimistic about the Super Eagles’ chances at AFCON 2025.

“I’m wishing them all the best. But I don’t have that confidence in the squad yet. If they can address their defensive lapses and improve their teamwork, they have a good chance of going far.

"I hope they surprise us and bring the trophy home.”

A Final Word of Advice

Chukwu’s message to the Super Eagles is clear: talent alone is not enough. To succeed, the team must prioritize unity, preparation, and a commitment to harnessing all available resources, including home-based players.

As AFCON 2025 approaches, fans can only hope the team rises to the occasion and fulfills its immense potential.