Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has thrown his support behind Eric Chelle’s team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles are on thin ice and cannot afford to lose any of their next two games. They are currently third in Group C with 11 points from eight games, three behind the Benin Republic and South Africa.
In their final two games of the series, the Super Eagles will face Lesotho and the Benin Republic in a bid to qualify for the World Cup.
Speaking on his Obione Podcast, the 38-year-old expressed optimism that Nigeria will qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, emphasizing that missing two consecutive editions would be a major setback.
He said, “It’s going to be a crime, an absolute crime, if Nigeria doesn’t make it to the World Cup again.
“We love our football too much. Our World Cup fate is in the players’ hands. They have to win these two games—no excuses.”
“At this stage, every off-field problem goes out the window. It’s about the players now.
“They must take responsibility and deliver. Nigerians are counting on them,” he said.
The Super Eagles will face Lesotho on Friday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, before facing Benin in the last qualifying game next Tuesday.
