'Disgraceful' - ESPN pundit calls current Super Eagles the worst in three decades

Respected ESPN pundit Colin Udoh has insisted that it is still theoretically possible on paper for the Super Eagles to qualify for the World Cup but in practical reality he does not believe they will succeed.

After eight rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Group C, the Super Eagles find themselves third in the provisional standings, six points adrift of leaders South Africa.

Nigeria failed to secure the result they needed on Tuesday, settling for a 1-1 draw with Bafana Bafana, and now risk missing out on a second consecutive World Cup.

The Super Eagles have gone through four coaching changes during the World Cup qualifying campaign, with José Peseiro, Finidi George, Augustine Eguavoen and now Eric Chelle all taking turns in the dugout. 

In a group featuring Rwanda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Benin and Lesotho, Nigeria were widely expected to assert their dominance. 

Instead, they have managed just two victories against Rwanda while being held to five draws and suffering defeat to the Cheetahs.

Former Super Eagles media officer Udoh delivered a damning assessment of the current squad, labelling them the worst national team in three decades. 

"I've got to say it is disgraceful. I'm somebody who has been covering and supporting this team since three decades," Udoh said on ESPN FC.

"I have never seen a team with less spirit, less heart than the current players and I think at this point some soul searching has to be done among the Nigerian players."

When asked if Nigeria could still qualify for next summer's World Cup, Udoh replied: "Mathematically they could, but in reality I’ll say no — Nigeria is not coming to the United States."

Next month, the Super Eagles face Lesotho and Benin in their final two matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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