Okocha reveals why Nigeria and South Africa may not qualify for World Cup

Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has pointed out why Nigeria and South Africa failed to kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying journey with maximum points as they prepare for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The former Super Eagles captain represented Nigeria at three different editions of the World Cup, helping the Super Eagles reach the knockout rounds on two occasions.

However, the former Bolton Wanderers playmaker is convinced that the long-time rivalry between the two African giants distracted them from the threats posed by the other teams in their group.

Nigeria stumbled to two disappointing 1-1 draws with Lesotho and Zimbabwe to sit in third place with two points, while Bafana Bafana began their adventure with a narrow 2-1 win over Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic but suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat away to Rwanda, to sit second with three points.

“We [Nigeria and South Africa] didn’t get off to a good start and I can say that we are lucky that Bafana Bafana lost their second game,” Okocha said, per Sunday World.

“I think we are focusing more on the rivalry between South Africa and Nigeria instead of focusing on qualifying. It’s a big surprise that Rwanda is topping the group.

“So, I think we [Nigeria and South Africa] need to change the mindset and focus on the qualification instead of focusing on our rivalry.”