Many of Gernot Rohr’s men play for some of the biggest clubs in Europe and are seen as the country’s next golden generation, but they are yet to convince a few people that they are the real deal
Former Nigeria international Dondo Avaa has labelled the Super Eagles under the guidance of the Franco-German tactician as a team of boys, insisting that they are not as talented as the Nigerian side of the nineties.
The Super Eagles reached its peak in international football in the nineties, winning the 1994 African Cup of Nations, rising to fifth in the world rankings, and making it to the knockout stages of two consecutive World Cup finals.
It was during that glorious period that Nigerians witnessed the exploits of Champions League winner Finidi George; the mercurial Austin Okocha; Sunday Oliseh; and three African Player of the Year winners Rashidi Yekini, Victor Ikpeba, and Nwankwo Kanu.
But there is genuine anticipation in the air that the current squad, consisting of Lille’s Victor Osimhen, Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze, Everton’s Alex Iwobi, and Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, could lead the three-time African champions back to the top of the game.
However, Avaa, former BCC Lions of Gboko star who narrowly missed the party to France ’98, is not convinced of the potentials of the present Eagles.
“Honestly, boys are now playing for the Super Eagles,” the retired attacking midfielder told the Daily Trust.
“In my time, real men represented the country. They were giants on the field of play.
“Talk of the gangling Rashidi Yekini, gentle giant, Uche Okechukwu, Uche Okafor, Stephen Keshi, Mutiu Adepoju, Samson Siasia, Finidi George and a host of others.
“Eagles were so talented that even players like Victor Ikpeba, Jonathan Akpoborie, Victor Agali struggled to find playing time in the team.
“The present Super Eagles are boys who are not as talented as the players in the 90s.”
