Le Roy questions Eagles firepower after W’Cup failure

Former Africa Cup of Nations winning coach Claude Le Roy has questioned the true strength of Nigeria’s attack ahead of the 2025 tournament, arguing that the Super Eagles’ scoring record in the recent World Cup qualifiers does not reflect genuine offensive prowess, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Nigeria scored 20 goals across 12 qualifying matches, including the play-offs, yet failed to secure a place at the World Cup.

Le Roy, who led Cameroon to the 1988 AFCON title, said the statistics should not be celebrated and warned that they mask deeper issues within the team’s forward line.

Speaking to Canal +, he said he remained unconvinced by the numbers given the quality of opposition faced in the qualifiers.

“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 stressed that many of the goals came against teams he described as far from elite, saying, “It’s not against irresistible teams but Benin and Gabon, so we need to put things into perspective.”

The 77-year-old said the failure to reach the World Cup underlined a fundamental problem despite the presence of some of Africa’s most highly rated forwards. He also warned that the setback would directly affect the preparation of head coach Éric Chelle as the Super Eagles head into the continental showpiece.

According to him, “The elimination handicaps him greatly in his preparation for this Afcon.”

Nigeria’s attack has been a major talking point in recent months, with scrutiny intensifying after the team’s inability to turn their scoring record into a World Cup ticket.

Le Roy’s latest remarks contrast with his earlier position in February when he tipped Nigeria among the favourites for the 2025 AFCON title. He had named Nigeria, hosts Morocco, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Egypt and Algeria as leading contenders for the championship scheduled to run from December 21 to January 18, 2026.

In that assessment, he highlighted the strength of Africa’s traditional powerhouses and warned that South Africa and Cameroon should not be underestimated. Nigeria, runners-up at the last tournament and three-time champions, will face Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania in the group stage.

The Frenchman known for his long managerial career with Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana, said earlier this year that Nigeria’s pedigree, 16 AFCON medals including three gold, keeps them firmly among the favourites.

His renewed criticism, however, adds pressure on Chelle to refine the team’s attacking structure and restore belief before the continental finals begin.