Veteran coach Claude Le Roy doubt Nigeria firing power ahead of AFCON 2025

Veteran coach Claude Le Roy is concerned about Nigeria’s firing power ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations despite 20-goal mark in the World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles racked up 20 goals in 12 matches during the World Cup qualifiers, as the West African giants suffered a back-to-back qualification setback.

As the team gears up for the continental showpiece in Morocco, Claude Le Roy, a 1988 AFCON-winning has casted doubt on the true power of Nigeria’s attack.

“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 told Canal+ in an interview.

He argued the Super Eagles goals came against non-elite teams, signaling lack of fire power in the attack.

“It’s not against irresistible teams but Benin and Gabon so we need to put things into perspective.”

Le Roy believes the failure to reach the World Cup shows a deeper problem and will affect coach Éric Chelle’s AFCON preparations. According to him, “The elimination handicaps him greatly in his preparation for this AFCON.”

His remarks increase pressure on Chelle as Nigeria looks to rebuild confidence before the continental tournament.