Eguavoen: Nigeria Can Still Qualify for 2026 World Cup with Unity and Belief
Former Super Eagles head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has voiced strong confidence in Nigeria’s ability to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the team’s current fourth-place standing in their qualifying group.
The 59-year-old tactician, who recently completed his fourth stint as interim head coach, stepped in after Finidi George’s resignation and successfully led Nigeria to AFCON 2025 qualification before Eric Chelle was named the new permanent manager.
Now, with the Nigeria 2026 World Cup qualification hopes hanging by a thread, Eguavoen insists the mission is not impossible.
“It’s easier said than done, but we have the potential and the personnel,” Eguavoen told ACL Sports. “The World Cup is the highest level of football. It’s a tight rope we’re walking, but everything is possible.”
Belief, Unity and Focus: Eguavoen’s Formula for Success
Eguavoen stressed that with unity among fans, players, and management, Nigeria can overcome the odds and secure a spot in the 2026 tournament, to be jointly hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
“With the boys we have now and every Nigerian coming together, it is doable. I’m 100% sure because the players want to be at the World Cup.”
He also urged a forward-thinking, game-by-game mindset, encouraging the team to remain focused and not dwell on past results.
“I’m not looking back at the last game. I’m looking forward to the next one. That’s the mindset—one game at a time, treat every game like a final,” he added.
What’s Next for the Super Eagles?
To stand a realistic chance of qualifying, the Super Eagles must win all their remaining matches, including clashes against strong group rivals. With AFCON 2025 on the horizon and World Cup qualification still in play, the upcoming months will be defining for Nigerian football.
While challenges remain, Eguavoen’s belief in the squad’s quality and desire may just ignite the spark needed to push the Super Eagles through.
