*Akpoborie slams Keshi’s tactics

*Chukwu: It’ll be difficult for Eagles to qualify

Ex-international Jonathan Akpoborie has criticised the Super Eagles following their 0-0 draw with South Africa on Wednesday.
The stalemate with Bafana Bafana means Stephen Keshi’s side have now won just once in their last 11 internationals, which included last weekend’s shock 3-2 loss at home to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Akpoborie believes a lack of commitment from the Super Eagles players was the main reason for their loss at Cape Town Stadium and fears Nigeria will struggle to qualify for next year’s AFCON.

“The outcome was not good enough because we did not play our best football, and besides, the Eagles were not purposeful and aggressive enough,” Akpoborie said.

Nigeria’s midfielder John Mikel Obi (C) falls next to South Africa’s defender Thabo Matlaba (L) and midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi (R) during the 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifying football match between South Africa and Nigeria on September 10, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. AFP PHOTO

“We could have secured a win in this game but it’s just painful that our players lacked the desire to win, that was why in the whole of the game, we had just a [single] clear-cut chance.”

Akpoborie also criticised current boss Keshi’s tactics and believes the Super Eagles have gone backwards since his appointment, despite winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013.

“Since [Stephen] Keshi took over, we are used to just one system where we rely on the speed of our attackers and rely on [the] counter,” he said.

“Just like it happened against Congo. We had problems, there was no transition between the midfield and the attack. Even from the attack to the defence, it was not really good enough.

“This has been the problem with the team for a very long time but we have just been lucky. Right now, it is really showing on the team.

“As it stands, it will really be difficult to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations because we have bungled away our chances. Congo now top the group with six points with South Africa having four points.”