Çaykur Rizespor midfielder Okechukwu Azubuike has highlighted two critical areas for improvement for the Super Eagles as they strive to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Sportblog247.com.

Currently, Nigeria finds itself struggling in the race to participate in the global tournament set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in two years.

Having failed to secure a win in their first four games, the Super Eagles are in fifth place in their six-team qualifying group, with just three points. Rwanda, Benin Republic, and South Africa each have seven points, while even Lesotho, with five points, is ahead of Nigeria.

The Super Eagles had a chance to revive their campaign earlier this month but failed to impress against South Africa and Benin. The Bafana Bafana looked sharper and more organized, earning a 1-1 draw with Nigeria in Uyo on June 7. Three days later, Benin displayed more determination and quality in the attacking third, securing a historic 2-1 victory over the Nigerian team in Abidjan.

Former Nigeria U-23 captain Azubuike, who watched these games, identified two major weaknesses in the Super Eagles’ performance. The 27-year-old defensive midfielder pointed out that the team struggled with ball retention and lacked the work rate of their opponents.

Azubuike believes that the three-time AFCON winners can still turn their World Cup qualifying fortunes around if they address these issues.

“We are one of the best teams in Africa, but right now, names don’t play football. I think we need to run more,” Azubuike told Afrik-Foot. “I saw the last two games; I think we need to run more as a team and play better football. For a very long time, we have not seen the Super Eagles play the type of football we are used to.”

“If we can keep the ball more and run more than the opponent, then I believe we are going to scale through. Names do not play football anymore; there are no small teams, no underdogs. So, hopefully, if we run better, we will make it out of the group and qualify for the World Cup.”

Azubuike, who missed last season due to injury, has only one cap for the Super Eagles, appearing as a second-half substitute in an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt in 2016.

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