'Best team in Africa' - Mali coach says it would be a big shock if Super Eagles don't qualify for WC

Mali's head coach, Tom Saintfiet, has expressed disbelief at the possibility of Nigeria failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the Super Eagles as the "best team in Africa" and predicting it would be a huge shock if they do not make it to the global tournament.

In an interview with AySuga Naija Lifestyle YouTube page, Saintfiet praised Nigeria's squad depth, pointing to the high caliber of players available to the national team. 

He highlighted the quality of Nigeria’s offensive players, midfielders, defenders, and goalkeepers, asserting that the country has an abundance of talent to succeed both in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and on the world stage.

"It will be sad if the strongest team of Africa don't qualify. The Super Eagles are currently, not only now, the last three, four years, the best team in Africa," Saintfiet said. 

He emphasized the Super Eagles' dominance in recent years, pointing out that they have consistently been among the top teams on the continent, despite not securing a title since Stephen Keshi's 2013 AFCON victory.

Despite their recent struggles, Saintfiet remains optimistic about Nigeria’s chances of securing a World Cup spot. 

He believes that with the quality at their disposal, the Super Eagles are among the favorites to not only qualify for the World Cup but also win the next edition of AFCON. 

"You cannot have 23, you can have 46 players who can become African champions," he noted, emphasizing the strength and potential within the Nigerian squad.

He also acknowledged the threat posed by other top African teams, particularly Morocco, whom he listed alongside Nigeria as the key favorites for both AFCON and the World Cup.

"For me, together with Morocco, are the big favourites for Afcon but also going to the World Cup," Saintfiet said.

Despite the challenges faced by the Super Eagles, the Mali coach emphasized that Nigeria’s quality should see them through. 

"It will be a big disappointment, a big shock, if Nigeria don't qualify with these potential, with these quality players," he said, suggesting that Nigeria’s prospects of qualification remain strong despite the current setbacks.

Saintfiet also expressed respect for Nigeria’s opponents, particularly South Africa, who have a solid coach and a capable team. 

However, he reiterated that the Super Eagles' superior quality should see them through, even with the points they have dropped so far. 

"With all respect for the opponents, South Africa have a very good coach, good team, but Nigeria have so much quality so they have to do everything. They have to catch up the points they lost. In that group I think they will qualify," he concluded.

The Belgian coach's words come at a time when the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification campaign has hit a stumbling block. 

Nigeria has struggled in their first four matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, failing to secure a win. 

They currently sit in 5th place in Group C, making their upcoming matches crucial to their hopes of advancing.

Wale Adejumo

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