'We put ourselves in this situation' - Nigeria legend Okocha backs Super Eagles to qualify for World Cup

Three-time World Cup veteran Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has insisted that the Super Eagles can still turn things around and qualify for the 2026 World Cup, despite only narrowly securing a playoff berth.

On matchday ten of the qualifiers, Nigeria found themselves on the verge of elimination based on the runners-up ranking, but a late volley from Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka rescued their hopes, sealing a place in the playoffs for the three-time African champions.

The Super Eagles endured a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign, collecting just three points from their opening four matches. 

They were held to three consecutive draws before suffering a costly away defeat to Benin Republic, a result that left them trailing in the race for the group's top position.

Under Eric Chelle, the team mounted an impressive late recovery, amassing fourteen points from a possible eighteen in their final six games.

With a playoff spot secured, Nigeria now face the prospect of navigating at least three high-stakes matches to earn their place at next year's World Cup in North America.

1994 Africa Cup of Nations-winning midfielder Okocha admitted that the Super Eagles had made qualification more difficult but insisted that all hope was not lost.

Speaking on The Exchange with Femi Soneye, Okocha said:"I am the worst person to ask this question because I can never say anything against the national team.

"Once there is a glimmer of hope, of course I will believe and that is the beauty of football.

"Sometimes you have to do it the hard way. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

"I still trust this team; I still believe it’s possible. We put ourselves in this situation, and we are the only ones who can bring ourselves out of it."

Okocha also emphasised that the players fully understand what is at stake, both for their careers and for millions of Nigerian fans hoping to see the team on football's biggest stage.

"The thing is, the players feel it the most. It's their job, they don't have any other job at the moment, so of course they would all love to play in the World Cup.

"They also know how disappointed our fans would be if they don't make it."

Despite recent struggles, Okocha took encouragement from the team's most recent performance against Benin's Cheetahs, suggesting that the Super Eagles have shown signs of improvement and determination.

"From their last outing, you could see the desire to correct their mistakes. They have given us hope."

The Super Eagles are seeking a return to the World Cup after narrowly missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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