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The one-cap Super Eagles star has highlighted the problems that led to the failure under Finidi George.
Former Nigeria captain Okechukwu Azubuike has launched a scathing attack on the current Super Eagles squad, claiming they need to 'run more' if they are to salvage their World Cup qualification hopes.
Okechukwu, who was part of the 2016 Rio Olympics Nigerian team alongside current AFCON 2023 MVP William Troost-Ekong and John Mikel Obi, did not hold back in his assessment of the national team's predicament.
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Ex-Nigeria skipper lashes out on Super Eagles stars
The West African giants are in danger of missing out on back-to-back World Cup tournaments after a dismal run of results in their qualifying campaign.
A draw at home to South Africa was followed by a shock defeat against Benin, leaving Nigeria languishing in fifth place in their group with their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup hanging by a thread.
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And Okechukwu, the former Nigeria U-23 captain and one-cap Super Eagles midfielder, believes the current crop of players are simply not putting in the required effort.
“We are one of the best teams in Africa, but right now, names don't play football. I think we need to run more,' the Çaykur Rizespor star fumed per Afrik-foot.
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“I saw the last two games; I think we need to run more as a team and play better football. For a very long time, we have not seen the Super Eagles play the type of football we are used to.”
Okechukwu, who is poised to make a comeback after an injury-plagued 11 months, urged the current Nigeria squad to show more fight and determination if they are to rescue their World Cup dream.
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“If we can keep the ball more and run more than the opponent, then I believe we are going to scale through,” he insisted.
“Like I said, names do not play football anymore; there are no small teams, no underdogs. So hopefully, if we run better, we will make it out of the group and qualify for the World Cup,” he added.
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The 27-year-old midfielder's stinging criticism will only add to the mounting pressure on Nigeria boss Finidi George, whose future hangs in the balance amid reports of his resignation.
With their chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup hanging in the balance, the Super Eagles must now find a way to reignite their qualifying campaign in their crucial remaining fixtures.
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And Okechukwu has made it clear that a vast improvement in work rate and commitment is the minimum requirement if Nigeria are to avoid the unthinkable - missing out on consecutive World Cup tournaments.
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