Ex-Super Eagles Coach Christian Chukwu has stated that the 0-2 loss by Eagles to Croatia was due to the players approach, saying that the team lacked composure and commitment against their opponent. Chukwu said that the noise made over the Eagles before the duel contributed to the team’s thinking little of their opponent. He stated that the zeal and fighting spirit shown by Nigerian teams in the past tournament like the FIFA World Cup was lacking in the current Eagles in Russia.
“The Eagles played like children against Croatia. I don’t understand what happened. Maybe the much hype of the team before the tournament made them underestimate their opponents,” stated Chukwu. “Some people have already seen them picking three points before their first game. Their approach to the match was slow and uncoordinated. The Eagles lacked the fighting power, which is the hallmark of a Nigerian team in the game against Croatia,” he said.