Nigerian football icon Austin 'Jay-Jay' Okocha has delivered an optimistic assessment of the Super Eagles' prospects for qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the team's challenging start to the campaign.
Super Eagles' Rocky Path to Playoffs
The three-time World Cup veteran acknowledged that Nigeria made their journey more difficult than necessary during the initial qualifying phase. The Super Eagles managed to secure only 17 points in their group, finishing behind South Africa after a series of disappointing results that included three consecutive draws and a painful defeat to Benin Republic.
However, Okocha emphasized during his appearance on The Exchange with Femi Soneye that the team's destiny remains firmly in their own hands. "Once there is a glimmer of hope, of course I will believe. Sometimes you have to do it the hard way," the former PSG and Fenerbahce midfielder stated.
Renewed Hope Under Eric Chelle
The football legend pointed to the team's significant improvement under coach Eric Chelle as evidence that a comeback is possible. Nigeria collected an impressive 14 points from their final six matches, with Brentford's Frank Onyeka scoring a crucial goal that secured the playoff spot and revived national optimism.
Okocha highlighted the renewed hunger and commitment displayed by the team in recent performances, particularly against Benin Republic, showing that the players are determined to correct past mistakes. He stressed that belief forms the foundation of every great comeback story in football.
The Critical Playoff Challenge Ahead
Nigeria now faces a decisive test in the 2026 World Cup African playoffs scheduled to take place in Morocco. The Super Eagles will confront Gabon in the semifinal at the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat.
A victory against Gabon would propel Nigeria into a final showdown against either DR Congo or Cameroon, with the ultimate prize being a place in the intercontinental playoffs and a ticket to the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Okocha addressed the pressure facing the current squad, noting that "The players feel it the most. It's their job, and they know how disappointed the fans would be if they don't make it. That pressure can be positive if they channel it the right way."
Coach Eric Chelle has already named a strong 24-man squad for the crucial playoff clash against Gabon, demonstrating the team's serious intent to secure Africa's sole ticket for the Intercontinental playoffs after failing to claim an automatic qualification spot.
