The former Real Madrid youth star has urged the Super Eagles against a cautious approach when they take on Ghana on Friday.
Ex-Real Sociedad midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has urged the Super Eagles to take an attacking mindset into the first leg of their 2022 World Cup playoff against Ghana at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Friday night.
Adepoju revealed this in a telephone interview with Pulse Sports Nigeria.
The ex-Super Eagles urged the Super Eagles to go out and attack from the blast of the whistle, although he added they also have to maintain their defensive stability.
When asked if Nigeria should take a cautious approach, Adepoju said: “I don’t think we should take a cautious approach, we should attack from the start.”
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“We should try to get one goal at least and prevent Ghana from scoring,” he said.
Adepoju, who played against Ghana during his playing career, also warned the Super Eagles players to expect a hostile reception when they take to the pitch at the Baba Yara Stadium.
CAF has already granted Ghana the approval to allow 40,000 fans into the stadium, with 20,000 tickets already bought.
With a full capacity expected, Adepoju warned the Nigerian players to expect a passionate crowd but should not let the occasion get to them.
“Ghana fans are passionate about their football just like Nigerians, so the players should be prepared for a hostile atmosphere.”
Adepoju also spoke about his ex-international teammate and Nigeria’s coach Austin Eguavoen.
Eguavoen was criticized for his tactical acumen at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Still, Adepoju has backed his ex-teammate to set up a team capable of securing victory against Ghana.
“I’m not going to tell Eguavoen how to set up his team, but I expect him to figure out a team capable of doing the business,” Adepoju added.
Nigeria will take on Ghana in the first leg of their 2022 World Cup playoff clash at the Baba Yara Stadium on Friday night before hosting their West African rivals at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja four days later.
The winner across the two legs will join four other African countries at the Qatar 2022 World Cup later this year.
