Bright Osayi-Samuel, defender for Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Turkish club Fenerbahce, expressed optimism on July 1, 2025, that Nigeria still has a strong chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking at the final of the under-13 Bright Osayi Football Tournament in Benin City, Osayi acknowledged the team’s shaky start in the qualifiers but stressed that with the right mentality and collective belief, the Super Eagles can turn their campaign around.
Osayi highlighted the confidence and alignment within the squad under Head Coach Eric Chelle, describing Chelle as a “fantastic coach” whose pressing and running philosophy has been embraced by the players. He pointed to Nigeria’s recent performance against Russia a team that had been unbeaten in six or seven matches as evidence of progress and potential.
Currently, Nigeria sits fourth in CAF Group C, trailing leaders South Africa, Benin, and Rwanda. With five matches remaining, the Super Eagles must win all their games and hope for favorable results from rivals to secure the top spot that guarantees automatic qualification. The task is difficult but not impossible, especially with key fixtures ahead against Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Benin.
Coach Eric Chelle remains confident in Nigeria’s qualification prospects, focusing on winning every remaining match and emphasizing the importance of the upcoming clash against South Africa as a pivotal point in the campaign.
In summary, despite a challenging start marked by draws and a late equalizer against Zimbabwe, Nigeria’s players and coaching staff are united in belief and strategy, aiming to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
