As Nigeria prepares for two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, star striker Victor Osimhen has called on the Super Eagles to learn from past mistakes and revive their qualification hopes.
The Galatasaray forward, who missed Nigeria’s previous qualifiers due to injury, believes that under new head coach Eric Chelle, the team has the tactical discipline and quality to secure a spot at the global tournament.
The Super Eagles last qualified for the World Cup in 2018, but a painful playoff loss to Ghana on away goals denied them a place at Qatar 2022. This meant that top players like Osimhen and Ademola Lookman—both recent African Player of the Year winners—have yet to feature on football’s biggest stage.
Osimhen has been in fine form this season for Galatasaray.
Nigeria’s current qualification campaign has been disappointing, with the team failing to win any of their first four matches. They were held to 1-1 draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, before a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic put their World Cup hopes in jeopardy.
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Osimhen Calls for Accountability and Commitment
Osimhen, who has 23 goals in 39 international appearances, insists the team must take responsibility and show greater determination to turn things around.
“With a new manager in charge, we are looking forward to the game against Rwanda to correct our past mistakes and put ourselves in a stronger position to qualify,” Osimhen told BBC Africa.
“People say this is a talented generation, but we can only prove that by competing at the World Cup, just like the great teams before us. Missing out on Qatar was painful—not just for the fans, but for us as players. This is why we must give everything for our country, our new coach, and prove that we deserve to be there.”
Super Eagles striker Osimhen has scored 23 goals in 29 games for his Turkish club.
The 25-year-old also expressed confidence in Chelle’s leadership, stressing that success depends on both tactical preparation and player commitment.
“I’ve spoken to the coach (Chelle) a few times, and I understand the goals he has set for himself and the team. But football is not just about coaching—it takes players performing at their best, showing commitment, and believing in our ability to qualify.”
Super Eagles’ Road to Redemption
Chelle, who was appointed in January, is the first non-Nigerian African to coach the Super Eagles. His squad selection for the upcoming matches reflects his determination to end Nigeria’s winless streak and get their qualification campaign back on track.
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The team will begin preparations in Kigali on March 16, before facing Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium on March 21. They will then return to Uyo for a decisive encounter against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on March 25.
