By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria defender Gabriel Osho remains optimistic about the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the team’s current challenges in the qualifiers.
The Super Eagles, who were runners-up in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), have yet to secure a win in the World Cup qualifiers and are currently in fifth place in their group, with three points from four matches.
However, Osho believes that the talent within the team is more than enough to see them through to the next World Cup.
“We have to focus on the World Cup qualifiers and the AFCON. After the last competition, our goal is to progress and triumph. I think we have enough talent,” Osho told Flashcore.
“The quality of our team is probably the best in Africa. It is time to assert it on the big stage.”
The Nigeria international acknowledged that while the team still has work to do, there are plenty of opportunities left to turn things around in the World Cup qualification campaign.
“We have to play to our ability. I am confident we can do it. The qualification is longer in this format, so we have time. We have games that will allow us to rectify the situation,” Osho added.
With the support of his teammates and a strong desire to succeed, Osho remains determined to see Nigeria qualify for the global spectacle.
“Everyone is eager to participate in the World Cup, and I am sure we will do everything possible. God willing, we will qualify.”
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.
