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Despite Nigeria’s unstable beginning for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, the former Super Eagles captain, Augustine “Jay-Jay” Okocha, remains firm in his belief that the national team can still ensure a place on the biggest football stage.
With only one victory in six qualification games, the Super Eagles feel fourth in group C with seven points: the other to drift from the leaders of South Africa. However, Okocha insists that the dream of qualifying is not over, citing the possibility of reaching the tournament through the playoff route.
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“If I say we have no chance, I will say lies,” Okocha said. “We are not in the best position, but we still have the opportunity to qualify, either through playoffs or any means. A good thing about football is that there is always hope.”
The new CAF rating format allows the only winners of the group to be qualified directly, while the four best teams of second place move to a playoff to determine who advances to the playoffs between Confederation. For Nigeria, that means that the remaining accessories are DO-O-More.
Okocha believes that the current squad, under coach Eric Chelle, has what is necessary to deliver.
“If we want to give ourselves any possibility of qualifying, we must focus on winning all our remaining games,” he added. “I have faith in this team. They can do it.”
The next clashes against South Africa and Rwanda will be crucial. A strong sample could revitalize Nigeria’s campaign and keep hopes alive to return to the World Cup after getting lost in 2022.
“We know how important football is in Nigeria. It unites us as people. I hope this team finds the strength to advance and qualify,” Okocha said.
As fans endure their breath and recover behind the team, Okocha’s confidence offers timely impulse, remitting to Nigerians who in football, hope is often the spark that leads to glory.
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