Can Nigeria Qualify for the 2026 World Cup? Here’s What Eguavoen Thinks

Former Super Eagles head coach Augustine Eguavoen has expressed firm belief that Nigeria can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the team’s shaky start to the campaign.

Eguavoen, now on his fourth stint with the national team setup, briefly returned to steer the squad to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after Finidi George’s short-lived tenure came to an end. 

Though the baton has now been passed to new head coach Eric Chelle, Eguavoen remains optimistic about the Super Eagles’ prospects on the global stage.

Currently sitting fourth in their qualifying group, Nigeria faces an uphill task. The team must win all its remaining matches to stand any realistic chance of reaching the World Cup. But Eguavoen is not writing them off.

“It’s easier said than done, but we have the potential and the personnel,” he told ACL Sports. “The World Cup is the highest level of football anyone wants to participate in. It’s a tight rope we’re walking, but everything is possible.”

His confidence is rooted not just in talent, but in team unity and national support. “With the boys we have now and every Nigerian coming together, it is doable. I’m 100% sure because the players want to be at the World Cup,” he added.

Eguavoen emphasized the importance of staying focused, urging the team to adopt a ‘one-game-at-a-time’ mindset. “I’m not looking back at the last game, I’m looking forward to the next one. Treat every game like a final.”

Since taking over, Eric Chelle has yet to lose a match, and his leadership is earning praise from past managers and players alike. Eguavoen is one of those singing his praises.

“Very good performance. I hope the record continues. There shouldn’t be any distractions, let him do what he feels is right and give him control. This is not a one-man show. Collectively, we can achieve success,” Eguavoen noted.

He also acknowledged the importance of avoiding interference from outside the team, a problem that has plagued the Super Eagles in past tournaments. “There hasn’t been interference so far, and I believe there won’t be.”

While the focus remains on the men’s team and their World Cup dreams, Eguavoen also took time to applaud the Super Falcons, who are preparing for the 2024 Women’s AFCON in Morocco and the Paris Olympics.

“We’re the best in Africa, one of the best in the world,” he said. “We’ve got a great mix of young and experienced players, and they’ll make us proud.”

The Falcons are scheduled to face Portugal in a friendly fixture as they fine-tune preparations for Morocco. Eguavoen remains hopeful that both national teams will give Nigerians reasons to cheer in the coming months.