Former Nigeria worldwide Godwin Okpara has urged the Tremendous Eagles to do every thing of their energy to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Soccernet.ng studies.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the event are hanging by a thread after a disastrous begin to the qualifiers.
Having missed out on the 2022 version in Qatar, the Tremendous Eagles have struggled once more, failing to win any of their opening 4 video games.
They’ve drawn towards Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and South Africa and suffered a dangerous defeat to Benin Republic. With simply three factors from a doable 12, Nigeria sit fifth in Group C—4 factors behind South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin, and one behind Lesotho.
Solely the group winners are assured a spot on the World Cup, which means Nigeria might must win all six of their remaining fixtures to have any probability of qualifying for the event, which will likely be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
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It’s an alarming scenario for a nation boasting one in every of Africa’s most proficient squads.
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) and Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen) are among the many greatest strikers on this planet. Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United) was one in every of Africa’s prime goalkeepers at AFCON 2024.
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta) is the reigning African Footballer of the 12 months, whereas Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest) and Alex Iwobi (Fulham) have been standouts within the Premier League this season.
Counting down until the boys reunite! #soarsupereagles #fifaworldcupqualifiers pic.twitter.com/IOn43Hqmsu
— Tremendous Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 11, 2025
Of this golden technology, solely Iwobi was a part of Nigeria’s final World Cup squad in 2018.
Veterans William Troost-Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Francis Uzoho, and Leon Balogun additionally stay, however for a lot of, 2026 represents a last probability to play on soccer’s largest stage.
Former PSG midfielder Okpara believes lacking out could be an enormous blot on this crew’s legacy.
“Each participant’s dream is to play on the World Cup. If this crew don’t qualify, will probably be unhealthy for his or her report,” Okpara informed Brila.
Nigeria have made six World Cup appearances, debuting in 1994 as African champions. They’ve certified for six of the final eight editions, solely lacking out in 2006 and 2022, and have reached the spherical of 16 3 times.
READ MORE: “No motive Nigeria mustn’t beat Rwanda” – Ex-Tremendous Eagles coach sends Eric Chelle message
The Nigeria Soccer Federation appointed Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle in January to assist flip across the fortunes of the Tremendous Eagles.
The previous Mali nationwide crew head coach will look to information the Tremendous Eagles to victories when the crew face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns right into a ball of ardour when writing about Nigerian soccer and its abilities, whether or not rising stars or established legends, regionally and overseas.
From the deepest corners of the Center East, to the inexperienced fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the wealthy soils of Africa, Imhons is greater than glad, often with a glass of a tasty drink close by, to seize the essence of the sport, by connecting the dots between tradition, id, and soccer.
