'Let them come and do it here' - Pinnick urges Super Eagles to replicate club form for Nigeria

Former Nigeria Football Federation President Amaju Pinnick has urged the Super Eagles to bring the same level of intensity and professionalism they display at their clubs into national team duties as Nigeria continues its push for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Speaking on ARISE News ahead of the Super Eagles’ upcoming qualifier against Lesotho, Pinnick expressed confidence that the team can still qualify for the tournament if they stay focused and united. 

He emphasized the importance of national pride and discipline, encouraging the players to rise to the occasion.

"The only thing you can do is to psyche the players. Let them look at Nigeria, the national morale. Let them be very patriotic on and off the pitch," Pinnick said. 

"Let them give us their best — the same thing they do for their clubs, let them come and do it here."

Pinnick, who currently serves as the Deputy Chairperson of FIFA Men's National Teams Competitions Committee, revealed that he remains in close contact with the Super Eagles players as part of efforts to motivate them. 

"One thing I always preach to them-the captain is the coach on the pitch. I am in touch with them, I talk to them because it's very important that we qualify," he stated.

The former NFF boss, who led Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, said he remains optimistic that the team can recover from their slow start in the qualifying campaign. 

"I have a strong feeling that we can still qualify. If we beat Lesotho tomorrow, come home and beat Benin, let's just wait and see," Pinnick added. 

Under the guidance of coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles are preparing for what could be a decisive match in their qualification journey. 

With several key players performing impressively for their clubs across Europe, expectations remain high that they will replicate that form for the national team.

Nigeria will face Lesotho in their next FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday, with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m.

Wale Adejumo

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