Super Eagles are under pressure - Former Premier League star warns Nigeria

Ex-Leeds United defender said Super Eagles' flawless group stage run could expose Nigeria in the knockout rounds.

Former Leeds United defender Dylan Kerr has warned that Nigeria’s perfect record in the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) could place the Super Eagles under intense pressure as they head into the knockout phase.

Nigeria cruised through the group stage with maximum points, recording victories over Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda to emerge as one of the tournament favourites.

The impressive run has raised expectations but Kerr believed the spotless record may be deceptive.

What Kerr said

Speaking to Flashscore, Kerr who won the English top-flight title with Leeds United in the 1991–92 season suggested that Nigeria’s dominance in the group stage might be masking deeper issues.

“Nigeria should have a good team, but they didn’t qualify outright for the World Cup, so something must not be good on the side of their game,” the 58-year-old said.

According to Kerr, knockout football often rewards resilience rather than perfection, and teams that peak too early can struggle when the pressure rises.

When asked whether Nigeria’s 100 per cent group-stage record made them clear favourites for the title, Kerr was unconvinced.

“Not really,” he said. “The good run in the group stage puts them under pressure because they have won all of them. Usually, the teams that struggle end up making the semi-finals and final.”

He added that expectations can become a burden, especially for teams labelled as favourites before the knockout rounds begin.

Kerr predicted a tightly contested encounter for Nigeria’s Round of 16 clash against Mozambique.

He said, “You never know. It will be a tough game and can go either way. I fancy Mozambique to give Nigeria a good game.”