By Oluwashina Okeleji BBC Sport, Lagos

Much of the Nigerian media is highly-critical of Amodu

Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu has pleaded for patience in the wake of his team's uninspiring wins against South Africa and Sierra Leone in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

Disappointed local media and fans have called for more entertaining and convincing displays from the Super Eagles.

But Amodu has asked fans to calm down and support him, after a tirade of criticism in the media.

"It's too early to start expecting too much from this team," Amodu told BBC Sport.

"We want to change the way we play. Of course you can't expect so much from players who are just returning from a long season across Europe."

Amodu believes that a tactical rethink was essential for the Super Eagles, and that his players are still getting to grips with the new game plan.

"I need the support of everyone because successful coaches took time before they achieve success.

"It took [former Nigeria coach] Clemens Westerhof some four years to build a team Nigerians were proud of. We're still in that process now.

"We need the support and understanding of everyone."

As the Super Eagles travel to Equatorial Guinea for this weekend's World Cup qualifier, Amodu is hoping for a better performance from his team.

"We expect a physical and tough challenge in Malabo, but we are prepared," he said.

"We just crave for understanding and support, knowing fully well that the fans there will make life difficult for us.

"There are harsh lessons to learn, but you must take the risks or we won't get our results."