Tolulope Oguntimehin, the General Manager of Supreme Court FC, Abuja, on Monday described Benin Republic’s 1-0 victory over Nigeria in the African Nations Championship as an eye opener.
Oguntimehin said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria that Benin Republic had made history by defeating Nigeria for the first time in a football competition.
He said that a lot of work needed to be done on the home-based Super Eagles team if Nigeria must feature in the 2018 CHAN.
Oguntimehin said: “It is an eye opener for us; we cannot afford not taking part in another competition in 2018.
“It is a big lesson for us that we need to up our game. I think the coaches need to do more, especially in the midfield and finishing.
“I am confident of Coach Salisu Yusuf that he can make it but we must put our house in order.
“The Nigeria Football Federation should provide the necessary assistance for the team to ensure they are comfortable and be focused in the second leg.’’
The home-based Super Eagles lost the first leg of their CHAN qualifying match against Benin Republic in Cotonou on Sunday courtesy of a goal scored in stoppage time.
The reverse fixture will be played at the weekend at Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
The 2018 CHAN edition will be hosted by Kenya from January 11, 2018 to February 2, 2018.
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