Victor Osimhen Breaks Silence on Super Eagles’ World Cup Hopes Amid SA Controversy
- The Super Eagles of Nigeria risk missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup with four games left in the qualifiers
- Nigeria have seven points from the opening six games after the disappointing 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo
- Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen believes the team will not miss their second consecutive FIFA World Cup
Victor Osimhen said Nigeria still has a bright chance of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Nigeria had three points from the opening four games under Jose Peseiro and Finidi George, leaving them in fifth place in Group C of the African qualifying series.
Source: Getty Images
The Napoli striker scored a brace in his first qualification match against Rwanda, which boosted the chances of qualifying for the 2026 Mundial.
However, a disappointing 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo threw the hope back in the balance.
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The three-time AFCON winners sit fourth with seven points, six behind league leaders South Africa, which is seen as their main challenger in group C, with Rwanda, Benin Republic, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe completing the group, per TnTSports.
We must qualify for 2026 World Cup - Osimhen
Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen expressed optimism in the ability of the current squad to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a post on X, the Napoli striker said there are no pushovers in African football and everyone wants to be at the biggest football event later this year.
The 26-year-old said the next two matches against Rwanda and South Africa are going to be a do-or-die affair. He said:
"Nigeria can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and I say it not with pride or ego, I believe so much in this team, coaching crew, backroom staff and the Nigeria Football Federation.
"It is not going to be easy, no team is a pushover, but we are going to give everything and at the end of the day, Super Eagles will stand a chance to qualify because we have to be there.
"It is a must to be there, but we have a long way to go, and the next two games are really important, so we have to give everything."
Source: Getty Images
I am privileged to play for Super Eagles - Osimhen
2023 CAF Player of the Year Victor Osimhen said playing for the Super Eagles of Nigeria is a great privilege.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the former Lille forward explained that he is playing for the love of the game and will leave when the ovation is loudest.
He revealed that the past Super Eagles legends inspired him to become a better player. Osimhen said:
"For me, it is just the passion because, like every other youngster, my dream was to play for the Super Eagles, and I am doing it. I saw the likes of Odion Ighalo, did what they had to do, and achieved greatness.
"I need to emulate many of these legends that have played for the Super Eagles; I just want to keep up what I love doing by playing with passion and all seriousness, then pass it down to the next generation.
"To play for the Super Eagles, you are privileged because there are billions of amazing talents in the country. For you to be picked to play for your country, you have to put in all seriousness."
Omeruo believes Osimhen will play at World Cup
Legit.ng earlier reported that Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo is eager to see Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen play in his first senior FIFA World Cup.
Osimhen's brace recently lifted the Super Eagles to fourth place with six points in CAF Qualification Group C.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
