Amaju Pinnick, former president of the Nigeria Football Federation, remains optimistic about the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite a difficult qualifying campaign, he insists Nigerians should not lose faith.
He evoked memories of the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, recalling how Nigeria defied expectations despite being in what many called a "group of death". He emphasised, "The truth is, never say never until the final whistle."
At present, the Super Eagles have secured seven points from their opening six matches and are sitting in a precarious position behind teams like South Africa, who could face further deduction over an eligibility issue involving player Teboho Mokoena.
The road ahead includes must-win games against Rwanda at home, followed by a trip to South Africa results that could prove pivotal for their qualification hopes.
Editorial
We draw strength from Amaju Pinnick’s steadfast belief in the Super Eagles. His reminder that "never say never until the final whistle" echoes the spirit that carried Nigeria to Russia in 2018, and it instils a sense of resilience we feel deeply within this team’s DNA.
The current qualifying position is undoubtedly delicate every match now carries weight, every point matters. Yet, this is when character is forged. Facing Rwanda and South Africa, the Eagles have a chance to write a different ending. Under pressure, they must show composure, grit, and unity for the task ahead.
We see this as an opportunity not for lament, but for renewed resolve. If the players, coaches, and fans rally together, drawing inspiration from past miracles, the improbable becomes possible. We hold onto hope, confident that when the whistle finally blows, our team will have left everything on the pitch。
Did You Know?
- Amaju Pinnick served as NFF president from 2014 to 2022 and was also First Vice-President of CAF between 2018 and 2019.
- In the 2018 qualifiers, Nigeria faced a daunting group including Cameroon (defending champions), Algeria (20-match unbeaten run), and Zambia, yet still qualified.
- South Africa’s potential three-point deduction stems from fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in a win over Lesotho.
- The Eagles have had three different head coaches during this qualification cycle: José Peseiro, Finidi George, and currently Eric Chelle.
- Nigeria missed the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after losing a playoff to Ghana on away goals—an experience that adds urgency to the current campaign.
