Mobi Oparaku: Eagles Must Start Fast in 2027 AFCON Qualifiers

Former Nigeria international Mobi Oparaku has urged the Super Eagles to avoid a sluggish start as they prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, which kick off in September.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s recent FIFA World Cup qualification disappointment, Oparaku stressed the importance of early momentum in the upcoming campaign.

‘The team must start strongly this time,’ he said, warning against repeating the mistakes of beginning poorly and attempting to recover later.

‘It won’t make sense to wake up late again,’ the former Super Eagles defender noted, emphasizing that the team must be aggressive from the opening fixture. ‘They need to be on the front foot immediately. Strong starts change everything.’

Oparaku explained that Nigeria’s talent pool is not in question, but preparation and mentality will determine success.

‘The talent is not the problem,’ he stressed. ‘The lessons must be learned quickly.’

Football observers continue to highlight Nigeria’s World Cup setback as a cautionary tale, urging the national team to approach the AFCON qualifiers with renewed focus and urgency.

Oparaku remains confident that with proper preparation, the Super Eagles can qualify comfortably and avoid unnecessary struggles.