Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has reiterated the team’s commitment to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing that missing out on the tournament is not an option.
Nigeria’s qualification campaign has been off to a rocky start, with the team yet to secure a victory in their opening four matches.
The Super Eagles have recorded three draws and one defeat, placing them fifth in Group C with just three points.
With upcoming fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Osimhen stressed the urgency of turning their campaign around.
“It’s a dream of every footballer to play at the World Cup and with our situation in the group I am desperate, like other players, to make it to the 2026 tournament,” Osimhen told BBC Sport Africa.
The Napoli striker also reflected on Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, describing it as a painful experience they cannot afford to repeat.
“We suffered a big disappointment in 2022 and we simply can’t let it happen again to us, the country, and our generation,” he said. “You don’t want to finish your career with the regrets of not playing at the World Cup. That is not what I want for myself.”
The Super Eagles will need strong performances in their upcoming matches to revive their qualification hopes and avoid back-to-back World Cup absences.
