Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong insisted that the right structure must be put in place for the team to strive on the international stage.
The West Africans have failed to qualify for the last two editions of the FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria have also started the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on a shaky note.
The three-time African champions laboured to a 2-1 home win victory over Madagascar’s Barea, before they were thrashed 3-0 by the Wild Dogs of Guinea-Bissau in the second game.
Troost-Ekong said their must be level of consistency from the players, coaches and the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
“We are at a point where we need to see some consistency I think from the top down. From federation to coach to this group of players,” Troost-Ekong beIN SPORTS
“I think the talent is there in abundance. What we see now is still some uncertainty about how things are prepared for the team.
“Appointing Eric Chelle for the long term has been a great thing to do. He’s also in charge of the Olympic team. He understands the young players coming through.”
Troost-Ekong also believed a strong foundation must be built around the players if Nigeria is to compete consistently at the highest level.
“That consistency is number one. But I do think the team needs the structure and the backbone, and we can’t just rely on talent alone,” Troost-Ekong added.
“I think we’ve managed to cover a lot of gaps over the years. But now, over time, those things will get exposed. They need to have the right structure around it.”