By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, says he is confident the Super Eagles will overcome their shaky start and qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions, have struggled in the qualifiers under three different coaches – Jose Peseiro, Finidi George, and current handler Eric Sekou Chelle. The Eagles drew two matches under Peseiro, lost to Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic and drew with South Africa under Finidi, before Chelle’s reign began with a 3-0 win over Rwanda in March. However, they were held to a draw by Zimbabwe in their most recent outing.
With seven points from six games, Nigeria currently sit fourth in Group D, behind Benin Republic, Rwanda, and South Africa.
Pinnick compared the current situation to the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, when Nigeria secured a spot in Russia despite facing Cameroon, Algeria, and Zambia in a tough group.
“The truth is, never say never until the final whistle,” Pinnick told Brila FM. “In 2018, nobody gave us a chance… but we qualified. That’s why I still keep the faith with this team.”
The Eagles face a crucial run of fixtures next month. They host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on September 6 before travelling to South Africa three days later.
