AFCON 2027Q: Super Eagles’ Vigour Impresses Ikhana, But Defensive Lapses Worry Ex-Int’l

Former Nigeria defender Kadiri Ikhana has praised the Super Eagles for their determination and fighting spirit in Friday night’s 3-1 victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in a Group L Matchday Three fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Completesports.com reports.

However, the former Enyimba of Aba coach, who guided the club to the 2003 CAF Champions League title, has expressed concern over the rate at which the three-time African champions have been conceding goals in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

The Super Eagles have scored five goals and conceded the same number in their first three Group L matches. This contrasts sharply with group leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have scored six goals and conceded just once.

Super Eagles Show Character After Tanzania’s Equaliser

The 74-year-old Ikhana, who was crowned 2003 African Coach of the Year, pointed out that the Super Eagles refused to be unsettled by Tanzania’s 32nd-minute equaliser. Instead, they maintained their attacking momentum and continued to press for goals.

Also Read: AFCON 2027Q: Tanzania vs Nigeria — Predicted XI, Head-to-Head, Kick-Off Time

“I’m impressed with the way the team played, especially after Tanzania’s equaliser. They knew what was at stake. They dug deep into their vault of experience and refused to be demoralised,” Ikhana said during an exclusive interview with Completesports.com.

“They responded positively, held their heads and finally got the job done. That’s the most important thing, and I’m impressed.”

Super Eagles’ Fighting Spirit Impresses Ikhana

The Super Eagles raced into an early lead when Alhassan Yusuf found the back of the Taifa Stars’ net just two minutes after kick-off. The stadium erupted in a deafening roar, with expectations rising of a possible rout of the East Africans, who are among the co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON.

However, that excitement suddenly faded half an hour later when the visitors drew level through Alphonce Msanga in the 32nd minute. A stunned silence descended on the stadium stands as Tanzania held on to the 1-1 scoreline until half-time.

Soon after the break, Tolu Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute before completing his brace on the hour mark to make it 3-1 for the Super Eagles.

The victory helped Nigeria close the gap at the top of the Group L standings, leaving them just one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau as the qualifiers entered the second half of the group campaign.

Ikhana Urges Better Defensive Organisation

Despite applauding the team’s fighting spirit, Ikhana expressed concern over the Super Eagles’ defensive weaknesses. He believes the frequency with which the team concedes goals could undermine its quest to secure the group’s sole automatic AFCON qualification ticket.

Also Read: AFCON 2027Q: Chelle Praises Super Eagles’ Performance Against Tanzania, Defends Adams

“Five goals in three games, for me, is not a bad return for the strikers. But conceding five goals in the same three games is not a good return for the defenders. You know, goal difference counts in all of this.

“Guinea-Bissau have scored six goals in the same three games. They conceded only once, which was in their 1-1 draw away to Madagascar on Thursday. We should be defending better to avoid conceding goals all the time,” Ikhana urged Eric Sekou Chelle’s team.

Super Eagles Face Crucial Test In Zanzibar Return Fixture

Friday’s victory was the Super Eagles’ eighth win against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in 12 meetings, with the other four ending in draws. It is an impressive head-to-head record Nigeria will take into Tuesday’s reverse fixture in Zanzibar City.

Irrespective of their eventual position in the final Group L standings, Tanzania have already secured their place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the three co-host nations alongside Kenya and Uganda. The tournament will mark the first time the African football showpiece will be staged across three different countries.