Former Nigeria head coach Bonfrère Jo has warned the Super Eagles ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon next month.

The three-time African champions are billed to face the Panthers in what is expected to be a feisty semifinal clash of the CAF playoffs.

The winner of the encounter will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final round of the CAF qualifiers.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Complete Sports, Bonfrère, who guided Nigeria to victory at the 1996 Olympic Games — warned that excessive defensive exposure could cost the Super Eagles a World Cup ticket.

The 79-year-old emphasized the importance of defensive solidity to shield Stanley Nwabali, describing it as key to the team’s qualification for the Mundial in Canada, Mexico, and the United States next year.

“It’s important to get the defence to effectively protect the goalkeeper. This is not only for the defenders but every player — defenders, midfielders, attackers — they must come back on time to help defend, the same way defenders help out during attack,” Bonfrère told CompleteSports.com.

“This has to start from training. The manager must instruct the players on what to do, and they must practice it. The team must be well organized. When you expose the goalkeeper too much and he faces too much pressure, he’s bound to make mistakes — and that could be costly for the team.”

The Super Eagles will take on Gabon at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat on Thursday, November 13.

WDN