Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, insists Nigeria can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging the players to take responsibility and fight for the nation’s pride
With two matches left to play, the Eagles sit third in Group C, three points behind leaders South Africa and Benin Republic. They face Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday before hosting Benin Republic in Uyo in their final qualifier.
Speaking on his ObiOne Podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder described Nigeria’s campaign as hanging by a thread but said qualification remains achievable if the players approach the final games with unity and determination.
“It’s going to be a crime, an absolute crime, if Nigeria doesn’t make it to the World Cup again,” Mikel said. “We love our football too much. Our World Cup fate is in the players’ hands. They have to win these two games—no excuses.”
Mikel, who captained Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, admitted he still keeps close contact with many of the current squad members. He challenged them to show leadership and accountability both on and off the pitch.
“At this stage, every off-field problem goes out the window. It’s about the players now.
They must take responsibility and deliver. Nigerians are counting on them,” he said.
“Yes, there are problems in the NFF—everyone knows that—but right now, that doesn’t matter. Win your two games first. The rest we can discuss later.”
Drawing from his experience in leading the Eagles to the 2018 World Cup, Mikel encouraged stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon and Victor Boniface to emulate the unity and focus of previous squads.
“When I captained the team, responsibility came first. You put your frustrations aside. The players need to have a meeting, talk to each other, and pull together. They still have a chance, and they have the quality to do it,” he said.
Despite a stuttering qualifying run, which has seen Nigeria record five draws in eight matches, the 37-year-old remains confident in the team’s strength and depth.
“We have great players in every department. The defence is solid, the midfield is balanced, and our attackers are among the best in Africa. We just need the mentality, the hunger, and the focus to get it done,” he stressed.
The Eagles camp in Polokwane opened on Monday for Friday’s encounter against Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. Victory in South Africa and at home to Benin Republic could see Nigeria seal qualification and avoid missing a second straight World Cup.
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