Super Eagles still qualify 2026 World Cup
Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has declared his confidence that Nigeria can still secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made this statement during a recent appearance on his “Obi One” podcast, where he urged the national team to focus entirely on winning their remaining matches.
Nigeria currently ranks third in Group C with 11 points from eight matches, trailing behind Benin Republic and South Africa. With only two games left in the qualifiers—against Lesotho and then Benin—Mikel stressed that there is no room for error. He insisted the fate of the Super Eagles now lies solely with the players.
Mikel described failing to qualify for another World Cup as “a crime,” underlining how much is at stake for the country’s football pride. He acknowledged off-field issues and criticism around the Nigeria Football Federation and other distractions, but he asserted that those must be set aside now. What matters, he said, is the team’s performance on the field.
He also pointed out recent developments in the group, such as South Africa’s deduction of three points for fielding an ineligible player, which he said gives Nigeria a window of opportunity to stay in the race. Mikel challenged the squad to summon mental strength, shut out distractions, and earn their World Cup place by winning both remaining matches.
Time is running short, but Mikel remains certain that the Super Eagles still have a pathway to the 2026 World Cup—if the team rises to the challenge and delivers when it matters most.
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