Nigeria Eager to Reach 2026 World Cup, Says Osimhen
Osimhen Urges Nigeria to Stay Focused on 2026 World Cup Qualification
Victor Osimhen has made it clear that Nigeria will be driven by desperation in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the qualifiers set to intensify this month. The Super Eagles’ campaign so far has been challenging, starting with three draws and a single loss in Group C, while Osimhen has been sidelined due to injury.
A Heartbreaking Disappointment
Osimhen reflected on Nigeria’s painful failure to reach the 2022 World Cup, describing the setback as a “heartbreaking disappointment” after their loss to rivals Ghana in a playoff. “It’s a dream of every footballer to play at the World Cup, and with our situation in the group, I am desperate, like other players, to make it to the 2026 tournament,” Osimhen said. The 26-year-old striker, who was unable to help Nigeria qualify for Qatar, emphasized that this was a chance the team couldn’t afford to miss.
A New Manager, New Hope
With the Super Eagles trailing behind group leaders Rwanda, Nigeria faces two crucial fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe this month. Under new coach Eric Chelle, who replaced Finidi George, Nigeria is desperate for immediate results to revive their campaign. Chelle, the first non-Nigerian African coach to lead the team, has already begun instilling a sense of urgency in the squad.
Correcting Past Mistakes
Osimhen, who was named the 2023 African Footballer of the Year, expressed deep disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. “We must correct the previous mistakes by giving everything to our country and proving ourselves,” he said. The squad, featuring players like Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi, is packed with talent, but Osimhen stressed that talent alone won’t guarantee qualification—they need to perform on the world stage.
Focus on the Bigger Picture
While Osimhen acknowledged the importance of the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Nigeria will face teams like Tunisia and Uganda, his priority remains the World Cup qualifiers. “We can’t focus too much on AFCON when we have big demands for the World Cup,” he said. Osimhen emphasized that the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign is critical and should take precedence over all other tournaments.
The Road to the 2026 World Cup
The World Cup qualifying campaign will culminate in September and October 2025, with the group winners securing direct entry to the finals. However, second-place teams will have a chance to qualify through continental play-offs in November. Osimhen is determined to lead the Super Eagles back to the global stage, urging his teammates to stay focused, avoid complacency, and play for the hopes of Nigeria’s 200 million people.
“Names no longer win matches,” Osimhen said. “We must be ready and switched on for the duration of the games. Playing at the World Cup is a priority and we must make it happen this time around.”
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