Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has highlighted the possible disaster that could follow if Nigeria fails to qualify for the next FIFA World Cup in 2026 slated to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Despite being almost spotless in the qualifiers for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Super Eagles have been disappointing in the African qualifiers for the World Cup as they currently sit second from bottom in Group C.
The three-time African champions have yet to record a win in their first four matches with three points having played out three draws and suffered a defeat to the Cheetahs of Benin Republic.
Oliseh, who has previously captained the Super Eagles, stated that it would be “painful” if the team fails to qualify for the Mundial for a second straight time.
“Africa could be represented by as many as 10 countries at the next World Cup, we’re at the risk of not being one of these countries and it will be a disaster if Nigeria do not qualify,” Oliseh said on Monday Night Football on Supersport TV.
“I was at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for six weeks working on the FIFA study Group and it was painful that Nigeria were not there.”
Oliseh represented Nigeria at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, including scoring the winning goal in a 3-2 victory over Spain in the group stage.
Nigeria sits behind group leaders Rwanda, as well as South Africa, Benin, and Lesotho in the World Cup qualifiers group stage.
The Super Eagles will face Rwanda’s Amavubi in their next game in the qualifiers in March 2025.
