Former Super Eagles striker, Emmanuel Olisadebe, has stressed the importance of Nigeria qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that another failure to reach the tournament would be a massive setback for Nigerian football.
The former Poland international, who was born in Nigeria before switching allegiance to play for the European nation, expressed concerns over the team’s recent struggles in the World Cup qualification campaign. He urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the coaching crew, and the players to prioritize qualification, as missing out on back-to-back World Cups would damage the country’s football reputation and hinder the development of young talents.
“Nigeria is a football powerhouse in Africa, and missing the 2022 World Cup was a huge disappointment,” Olisadebe said. “We cannot afford to let that happen again in 2026. The players, coaches, and everyone involved must give their all to ensure Nigeria is in the tournament.”
The Super Eagles last failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after losing to Ghana on away goals in the final playoff round, a result that left fans heartbroken. With the expanded 48-team World Cup set to take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Africa has been granted additional slots, increasing Nigeria’s chances of qualification. However, the team must navigate a tough qualification path against strong opponents.
Olisadebe, who played at the 2002 World Cup for Poland, emphasized the need for tactical discipline, strong team selection, and early preparations. He believes Nigeria has the talent to compete at the highest level but must avoid complacency.
With qualification matches set to resume in the coming months, expectations are high, and fans will be hoping the Super Eagles rise to the occasion to secure their place on football’s biggest stage in 2026.
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