Former Cameroon and Senegal manager Claude Le Roy has raised concerns about the Nigerian national team’s attacking capabilities ahead of the African Cup of Nations in Morocco, SportPremi reports.
The Super Eagles are blessed with one of the most talented attacking team in Africa, with many talents plying their trades across the biggest clubs in Europe.
The team is headlined by the presence of the likes of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, both of who won the CAF Men’s player of the year award in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
The likes of Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare are also one of the most impressive African attackers in European football.
- Read this: Babangida reveals what 2025 AFCON Triumph will mean For Nigeria
- Ex-Senegal forward backs Calvin Bassey for big role at AFCON 2025
However, they struggled during the recently-concluded qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, failing in their bid to reach the tournament after defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF playoff final.
Nigeria scored just 15 times from their group games, which was a low figure when compared to other African powerhouses.
They scored multiple times only on three occasions from 10 matches, although they scored four times in the playoff semifinal win over Gabon.
De Roy faults Nigeria’s attack
Speaking in an interview, Claude De Roy believed the attacking deficiency of the Super Eagles was a major reason for their 2026 FIFA World Cup failure.
The experienced coach who won the African Cup of Nations tournament with Cameroon in 1988, believes they must improve if they are to stand a chance of winning the 2025 AFCON tournament.
“When you don’t qualify for the World Cup and you are Nigeria. I’m not impressed by the statistics of 20 goals in 12 matches with the offensive potential they have”, the iconic coach admitted.
“It’s not against irresistible teams but Benin and Gabon so we need to put things into perspective. The elimination handicaps him (Chelle) greatly in his preparation for this Afcon.”
On Ademola Lookman
“Lookman, when he comes back to the Nigeria national team, is not quite the same player anymore”, he continued.
“We get the impression that in the last few matches with his club, he is starting to get a little bit comfortable, we are starting to see him again in certain plays. He is finding life a little easier.”
Nigeria head to AFCON 2025
Nigeria will begin their campaign at the 2025 African Cup of Nations against Tanzania on the 23rd of this month, as they hope to improve on their silver medal finish at the 2023 edition.
The Super Eagles will then face Tunisia on the 27th, before concluding group C fixtures against Uganda on the 30th.
