Former Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach Claude Le Roy has cast doubt over the real strength of Nigeria’s frontline ahead of the 2025 AFCON, stating that the team’s goal return during the World Cup qualifiers does not truly reflect their attacking quality, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Le Roy, speaking on Canal+, argued that Nigeria’s 20 goals in 12 qualifying matches were not impressive given the calibre of opposition faced. “When you don’t qualify for the World Cup, and you are Nigeria, I’m not impressed by the statistics of 20 goals in 12 matches with the offensive potential they have,” he said.
He added that the goals came against teams he described as far from formidable. “It’s not against irresistible teams but Benin and Gabon, so we need to put things into perspective.”
Despite recording 20 goals across 12 qualifiers, including the play-off fixtures, the Super Eagles still failed to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising renewed concerns over consistency in the final third ahead of the upcoming continental tournament.