Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has expressed his intense determination to ensure Nigeria qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing that the team’s desperation to avoid missing out again will fuel their push in the upcoming qualifiers.
Nigeria’s start to the 2026 qualifiers has been challenging, with the team securing only one win and drawing three out of their first four matches. Osimhen, who has been sidelined with injury, reflected on the heartbreak of missing out on the Qatar 2022 World Cup, a bitter disappointment when Nigeria was eliminated by rivals Ghana.
“It’s every footballer’s dream to play in the World Cup, and given our current situation, I’m desperate, like my teammates, to make sure we qualify for 2026,” Osimhen told BBC Sport Africa. “The heartbreak we suffered in 2022 was huge. We can’t let that happen again for our country and generation. No one wants to end their career regretting not playing in a World Cup. I won’t let that be my story.”
Currently, Nigeria sits four points behind group leaders Rwanda, and their next challenge comes with a crucial trip to Kigali to face the Wasps on March 21, followed by a home match against bottom-ranked Zimbabwe. Osimhen remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can turn things around under their new manager.
“There’s a new coach now, and we’re looking forward to the game against Rwanda to correct our previous mistakes and improve our chances of qualifying,” Osimhen added.
Having been named the 2023 African Footballer of the Year, Osimhen is determined to help lead the Super Eagles to qualification, after missing out on the Qatar World Cup. He expressed his regret over Nigeria’s absence from the tournament, particularly since the squad boasts a wealth of talent, including Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, Nantes’ Moses Simon, and Premier League players like Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, and Alex Iwobi.
Since their World Cup debut in 1994, Nigeria has only missed two tournaments, and Osimhen is adamant that the team’s current crop of talented players needs to showcase their abilities on the world’s biggest stage.
“People say we have a talented generation, but talent only proves itself when you perform at the World Cup like those before us,” he said. “I was deeply saddened by our failure to qualify for Qatar, and our fans didn’t fully understand the impact it had on us.”
To ensure they don’t miss out again, Osimhen believes the team must correct their previous mistakes and give their all for the country, under the leadership of new coach José Chelle. Chelle, who made history in January as the first non-Nigerian African to manage the Super Eagles, has garnered mixed reactions since his appointment, but Osimhen is optimistic.
“I’ve spoken to him a few times and have a clear understanding of his goals for both himself and the team,” Osimhen shared. “Winning requires more than just a coach; players must deliver their best, show commitment, and work together to achieve our ultimate objective.”
