Former Nigeria international goalkeeper Alloy Agu has insisted that the Super Eagles can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite their shaky campaign so far, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria are currently fourth in Group C of the African qualifiers with just seven points from a possible 18. They’ve managed only one win in six matches, with four draws and one defeat, leaving them six points adrift of group leaders South Africa. Only the top team from each group earns an automatic ticket to the tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria Coach, Eric Chelle gets emotional, after Nigeria’s Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe.
Nigeria are no. 4 on the table in Group C of the FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers.
Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes hang by the thread. pic.twitter.com/JH9KDGeIt3
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) March 25, 2025
With four matches left to play, the odds are stacked against Nigeria, who must now win all remaining games and rely on other results going their way to stand any chance of reaching the Mundial.
Still, Agu — who once served as the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping coach — believes it’s too soon to write off the three-time African champions.
“It is too early to write off the Super Eagles,” Agu said, speaking to Abuja City Journal.
“I am still optimistic that the team will pick the World Cup ticket. It may be a tough challenge, but Nigeria knows how to rise to the occasion when the chips are down.”
On this day in 1998, Nigeria beat Spain 3-2 in a World Cup classic! pic.twitter.com/IcQ7JzIs4E
— 90s Football (@90sfootball) June 13, 2025
Encouragingly, Nigeria are unbeaten under new coach Eric Chelle, who took charge in January. The Super Eagles have won three and drawn two of their five games under the Malian tactician and recently clinched the Unity Cup in London — raising hopes of a late resurgence.
Whether that positive run can be extended into the crucial World Cup qualifiers remains to be seen, but Agu’s belief will resonate with fans desperate for another appearance on football’s grandest stage.