‘Psych the players’ - Ex-NFF president asks Super Eagles team to replicate club form

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are currently in a difficult position that could see them miss a second consecutive World Cup for the first time in their history. 

With just two matches remaining, the team is three points behind Group C leaders Benin and South Africa.

The team will face Lesotho in their next FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday before their final game against the Benin Republic.

In an interview with ARISE News before the team's qualifier against Lesotho, Pinnick stressed that national pride and discipline are crucial for success. 

He expressed optimism about Nigeria's qualification chances, provided the players remain focused and united.

"The only thing you can do is to psych the players. Let them look at Nigeria, the national morale," Pinnick urged. 

"Let them be very patriotic on and off the pitch. Let them give us their best—the same thing they do for their clubs, let them come and do it here.

"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 explained.

"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," he added.

With many of the squad's key players delivering standout performances for their European clubs, expectations are high for them to bring that same level of excellence to the national team under coach Eric Chelle.