Victor Osimhen, the prolific Super Eagles striker and reigning African Footballer of the Year, has emphatically declared that qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is the paramount objective for the Nigerian national team. The disappointment of missing the 2022 tournament in Qatar still stings, and Osimhen, along with his teammates, carries a deep-seated desire to rectify that failure and represent Nigeria on the global stage. He recognizes the significance of the World Cup for any footballer’s career and emphasizes the collective responsibility to ensure Nigeria’s participation this time around. This sentiment underscores the weight of expectation on the Super Eagles and their determination to avoid another heartbreaking absence from football’s biggest spectacle.
Nigeria’s journey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers has been far from smooth. After four matches in Group C, the Super Eagles find themselves in a precarious position, having drawn three games and yet to secure a victory. Trailing group leaders Rwanda by four points, the urgency to turn their qualifying campaign around is palpable. Osimhen acknowledges the team’s struggles and expresses a burning desire to rectify past mistakes. The upcoming double-header against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March presents a crucial opportunity to gain ground and propel themselves back into contention for qualification. The pressure is undeniably on, not only for the players but also for newly appointed coach Eric Chelle.
Eric Chelle, the first non-Nigerian African to helm the Super Eagles, faces the immediate challenge of delivering positive results in the upcoming qualifiers. Osimhen, having conversed with Chelle, expresses confidence in the Franco-Malian tactician’s vision and objectives for the team. He highlights the importance of a collaborative effort between the coach and players, emphasizing that while Chelle sets the tactical direction, the players must execute with commitment and unity to achieve their shared goal of World Cup qualification. This collaborative spirit underscores the understanding within the squad that success hinges on collective responsibility and a unified approach.
Osimhen believes that the current generation of Nigerian players, which boasts considerable talent including fellow African Player of the Year winner Ademola Lookman, must prove their mettle on the grandest stage. He argues that talent alone is insufficient; it must be validated by performances at a World Cup. The sting of missing the 2022 tournament fuels their desire to showcase their abilities and leave a lasting legacy. Osimhen’s words reflect a collective ambition to not only qualify for the World Cup but also to make a significant impact, demonstrating the true potential of this talented generation.
While the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco looms on the horizon, Osimhen firmly asserts that the World Cup qualifiers take absolute precedence. Drawn alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in the AFCON, Nigeria faces a challenging group. However, Osimhen maintains that the immediate focus must remain firmly on securing World Cup qualification, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the more immediate and significant challenge. This laser focus underscores the team’s understanding that the World Cup represents the pinnacle of international football and demands their undivided attention.
Despite Nigeria’s pedigree as three-time African champions and the highest-ranked team in Group C, Osimhen cautions against complacency. He acknowledges that reputations alone do not guarantee victories and stresses the importance of consistent effort and focus throughout the remaining qualifiers, scheduled for September and October. He reminds his teammates of the immense responsibility they carry, representing their country, their families, and the hopes of nearly 300 million people. This sense of responsibility, rather than pressure, fuels their determination to avoid disappointing themselves and the nation. Osimhen’s words encapsulate the Super Eagles’ unwavering commitment to achieving their ultimate goal – securing a place at the 2026 World Cup.
