Nigeria great Odegbami sends rallying call to Super Eagles stars Osimhen, Lookman ahead of WCQ

Nigeria great Segun Odegbami has issued a powerful message to the Super Eagles ahead of their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, urging the team's stars to take responsibility in securing Nigeria's place on the global stage.

Speaking at an event themed 'The Role of Sports in Global Geo-Politics',  Odegbami emphasised that football holds immense potential as a unifying and political tool, recalling Africa's historic boycott of the 1976 Olympic Games as an example of collective strength.

He stressed that Africa, led by Nigeria, must be prepared to stand together once again if faced with global injustices, using football as a platform to champion freedom and equality.

Odegbami described Nigeria's qualification for the 2026 World Cup as very important, insisting that participation would provide Africa with a stronger voice in world affairs.

He called on leading figures in Nigerian sport, particularly Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, Stanley Nwabali, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare and Ola Aina, to rise to the challenge.

In a symbolic gesture, the 1980 Africa Cup Of Nations-winning forward extended his message beyond football, also referencing athletics champion Tobi Amusan, boxer Anthony Joshua and long jumper Ese Brume.

With two games remaining, the Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers with 11 points, three fewer than Benin and South Africa, who both have 14 points.

Nigeria face Lesotho's Crocodiles at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday, 10 October, before returning to Uyo to host the Cheetahs in their final group clash on Tuesday, 14 October.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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