Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen has expressed his determination to help the Super Eagles secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing their campaign as one fueled by desperation and urgency. After missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar, the team is under pressure to avoid another setback.
Nigeria currently sits four points behind group leaders Rwanda in Group C of the African qualifiers, with only one automatic qualification spot available. The team faces crucial back-to-back fixtures in March—an away clash against Rwanda on the 21st, followed by a home match against Zimbabwe on the 25th.
Overcoming Past Disappointments
The Super Eagles suffered a major heartbreak in 2022 when they lost to Ghana on away goals during the play-offs, denying them a place in Qatar. For Osimhen, who has 23 goals in 39 senior appearances for Nigeria, missing the World Cup was a crushing blow.
“It’s every footballer’s dream to play at the World Cup. We suffered a big disappointment in 2022, and we simply cannot let it happen again,” Osimhen told BBC Sport Africa.
Nigeria has participated in six World Cups since their debut in 1994, missing only two editions in that time. Osimhen believes that with a squad featuring Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Moses Simon (Nantes), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), and Alex Iwobi (Fulham), they have the quality to qualify.
New Coach, Fresh Hopes
The Nigerian Football Federation recently appointed Eric Chelle, the former Mali national team coach, to lead the Super Eagles. He becomes the first non-Nigerian African to hold the role. Chelle replaces Finidi George, who was dismissed following a disappointing 1-2 loss to Benin in June 2024.
Osimhen has welcomed the new leadership, saying:
“I’ve spoken to him a couple of times, and I clearly understand his objectives. But it takes more than a coach to win football matches—we, as players, must also give our best.”
Balancing AFCON and World Cup Ambitions
Nigeria, three-time African champions, is also set to compete in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Drawn in a group with Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, the Super Eagles hope to go one step further after finishing runners-up in 2023 to hosts Ivory Coast.
However, Osimhen insists that World Cup qualification is the team’s top priority before thinking about AFCON glory.
“We must first take care of business in the World Cup qualifiers. Playing at the World Cup is a priority, and we must make it happen.”
With the final four qualification matches scheduled between September and October 2025, Nigeria knows that only the group winners will secure a direct ticket, while a second-place finish could lead to a continental play-off.
The Road Ahead
Osimhen has called on his teammates to stay focused and disciplined, acknowledging that no team should be underestimated in modern African football.
“Names alone don’t win matches. We will be playing for our country, our families, and the hopes of almost 300 million Nigerians. It’s not about pressure—it’s about our desire to succeed.”
With a mix of young talent and experienced players, Nigeria’s quest for redemption is set to unfold in what promises to be a dramatic and high-stakes World Cup qualification campaign.
