Kanu Nwankwo challenges Super Eagles to replicate club-level performance for Nigeria

Though impressed with their recent AFCON qualifier results, Enyimba chairman Kanu Nwankwo believes the Super Eagles have more to give for Nigeria.

Former Super Eagles forward Kanu Nwankwo has urged the current squad to prioritise delivering high performances for the national team, rather than focusing solely on their club commitments.

Kanu’s comments follow Nigeria’s precarious position in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where they currently sit fifth in their group with just three points from four matches.

Although he commended their recent form in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers—where they have amassed 10 points out of a possible 12—the Enyimba FC chairman believes the Super Eagles can still do better.

“The players need to understand that while coaching is often discussed, they themselves need to do more,” the two-time CAF Player of the Year told Brila.

“From what I’ve seen in recent matches, they are improving and getting better. But they are very important to this team. They can’t perform well for their clubs and then fall short with the national team. No.

“When you come to the national team, you have to give even more than you do for your club,” Kanu continued. “You can’t wear that jersey and be slacking. If you’re giving your club 100%, then give 200% here.”

The Super Eagles will resume their AFCON qualifying campaign with matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda on November 14 and 18, respectively. The three-time African champions need just one point to secure their spot at AFCON 2025.

Meanwhile, interim head coach Austine Eguavoen is expected to announce the list of invited players shortly.