Kanu cautions eagles’ coaches over team selection, tips Osimhen for Africa CAF Awards

Former Super Eagles’ Skipper, Nwankwo Kanu, believes the current national team will qualify for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup if the coaches play the right players in the qualifying matches. He also says that Nigeria has players in the top five European leagues that can win the African Footballer of the Year title.

Kanu, who said the Super Eagles could qualify for the World Cup and excel at the tournament, noted Nigeria has the quality to take the world by storm in Qatar, adding, however, that the coaches, led by Gernot Rohr must work hard to build a strong team.

“If you asked me whether we have the best squad, I will tell you, yes. Look at where they are all playing… they are doing very well.

“The most important thing is for the coaches to put the right players where they are supposed to be and make sure they push them. They can do more than what they are currently doing.

“Everybody is afraid of Nigeria. Currently, if you mention the first four players in Africa, Nigerian players are there.

“Victor Osimhen has the qualities to challenge Liverpool duo of Mohammed Salah and Sadio Mane and other top African players for the African Footballer of the Year award.

“Unlike in the past, before you count the first four African top players, there must be a Nigerian. Now, Osimhen is scoring goals in the Italian league.

“If he keeps on doing it, definitely he will be there. We have other players, who are doing well, but for now, he is the one on top.”

Kanu, who was speaking after the Abuja Walk with Kanu Nwankwo programme, added, “The current players of the Super Eagles can do more than we did.

“What is needed is our support to excel. They can do more than they’re currently doing if the coach and his assistants select the right players.”