National Teams
Odegbami confident Super Eagles will overcome playoff test to reach 2026 World Cup
By Wale Mustapha
Nigerian football icon Segun Odegbami has backed the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to navigate the challenging playoff stage.
Odegbami, a 1980 AFCON winner and former World Cup star, praised the Super Eagles’ performance following their emphatic 4–0 win over Benin Republic in their final group match on Tuesday.
The victory secured Nigeria a place in the CAF playoff round after finishing as one of the best second-placed teams on the continent.
Striker Victor Osimhen was the standout performer in Uyo, netting a hat-trick to lead Eric Chelle’s side through a difficult qualifying campaign.
With Nigeria now set to face strong opposition in Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo in the playoff mini-tournament, Odegbami urged the team to maintain their momentum and approach the next stage with belief and determination.
“We did very well. I’m happy with the boys, and I think we deserved to win—and we won very well,” Odegbami said.
“Now, we have an opportunity to qualify, and I think we have a very good chance to make it through the playoffs and reach the World Cup.”
Nigeria’s playoff path will not be easy, with CAF’s final qualification round featuring four teams battling for two available slots.
The two African winners will then join Bolivia (CONMEBOL), New Caledonia (Oceania), two teams from Central America, and one from Asia in the FIFA intercontinental playoff tournament to determine the final places at the expanded 2026 World Cup.
The Super Eagles are aiming to return to the global stage after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.
