Former Super Eagles head coach Augustine Eguavoen has expressed strong belief in Nigeria’s chances of securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the team’s current position in the standings.
Speaking to ACL Sports, Eguavoen described the journey ahead as a “tight rope,” but remained optimistic that the Eagles can still make it to the global tournament.
“It’s a tight rope we’re walking, but everything is possible,” the 59-year-old said. “With the boys we have now and every Nigerian coming together, it is doable. I’m 100% sure because the players want to be at the World Cup.”
Eguavoen had taken over the national team in an interim capacity following the resignation of Finidi George after just two matches. Under his guidance, the Super Eagles secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), before the Nigeria Football Federation appointed former Mali coach Eric Chelle as the team’s permanent manager.
Currently, Nigeria sits in fourth place in their World Cup qualifying group and will need to secure maximum points in their remaining fixtures to stand a chance of clinching the group’s sole qualification ticket.
Despite the pressure, Eguavoen remains focused and forward-thinking: “I’m not looking back at the last game, I’m looking forward to the next one. That’s the mindset—one game at a time, treat every game like a final.”
As the race for the 2026 World Cup intensifies, the Super Eagles will hope to rally under Chelle’s leadership and keep their qualification dreams alive.
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