After a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Uyo and a 2-1 loss to Benin Republic in Abidjan, Nigeria are on the verge of missing out on the global football showpiece once again, following their absence from the Qatar 2022 edition.
The three-time African champions are currently fifth in Group C of the qualifiers, trailing behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin Republic, and Lesotho, with just three points from four matches.
Oboabona added: “No one could have anticipated the Super Eagles being in this situation. It’s particularly disappointing given how well we performed at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where we came close to winning a third title.
“But that’s football—if you don’t convert your chances and your opponents do, you get punished for it. “However, I strongly believe we will qualify for the 2026 World Cup because missing out would set our football back significantly.
“We need to win all our remaining matches and hope our competitors slip up. We’ve been in this position before and managed to bounce back. With the quality of talent in our squad, I am confident we will qualify.”
The Super Eagles are looking to rejuvenate their qualification campaign as they prepare to take on group leaders Rwanda at Huye Stadium in March 2025.
