Wilfred Ndidi set eyes on 2026 World Cup ticket with Nigeria after Qatar 2022 miss

Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, has expressed strong determination to help Nigeria secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After missing out of the last World Cup in Qatar suffering a disappointing loss on aggregate to their eternal rivals, the Black Stars of Ghana, in the playoff round, Nigeria will hope to avoid a repeat.

The three-time African champions lashed Sao Tome and Principe 6-0 in their 2023 AFCON final-day qualification game in Uyo on Sunday.

However the team will now shift attention for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a home game against the Crocodiles of Lesotho on November 13..

The Super Eagles have been seeded in the same group with South Africa, Benin Republic, Rwanda, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.

Ndidi, speaking to reporters after Nigeria’s convincing win against Sao Tome and Principe, emphasized the importance of the victory as a morale booster for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

“It was painful not to play at the last World Cup in Qatar,” Ndidi said.

“ The fans were really disappointed in us, and we can’t afford to fail them again. We just have to keep working hard as a team, and hopefully, things will be in our favour.”