In the aftermath of the Super Eagles’ lackluster performances in the opening matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Nse Essien, a member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Council, has stressed the importance of having committed and determined players in the national team.
Following a 1-1 draw against Lesotho and another 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe, criticism has been directed not only at head coach Jose Peseiro but also at individual players, including Francis Uzoho.
In a video posted on OJB Sport X handle, Essien stated, “We need players who are very committed, players who are qualified to play for Nigeria should be brought, we have a lot of them in Nigeria and all over the world. We need to bring players who are determined, who are going to be committed and who will give Nigeria 100 per cent.”
The call for committed players comes amid challenges faced by the national team and echoes the sentiments of fans expressing concerns about the team’s overall performance and the need for a strategic approach to player selection.
As the Super Eagles look for redemption in the qualifiers, Essien’s emphasis on commitment and determination adds to the ongoing discussions about the team’s future direction.
