Former Super Eagles players Etim Esin and Femi Ajilore have expressed confidence that Nigeria can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite acknowledging the tough task ahead of their decisive qualifier against Benin Republic in Uyo today.
Esin noted that relying on other teams’ results makes the situation difficult and said the campaign should not have been allowed to reach this critical point.
Ajilore urged the players to maintain the Nigerian fighting spirit and focus on winning their match rather than external factors.
He warned that missing consecutive World Cups would be a major setback for Nigeria’s football reputation.
The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C with 14 points, behind South Africa with 15 and Benin Republic with 17, and must win convincingly while hoping South Africa fail to beat Rwanda to secure automatic qualification.