Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju remains optimistic about Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing the need for determination, hard work, and seriousness from the team.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, Adepoju stressed the importance of resilience and focus, urging the players to aim for victories in their remaining six matches to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament.

“First, the players need to stay calm, unite, and commit to winning all the upcoming matches,” Adepoju said. “The team needs to focus and find a way to move forward and qualify for the next tournament.”

The Super Eagles started their qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw at home against Lesotho and another 1-1 draw away to Zimbabwe last November under the management of Jose Peseiro.

During the June qualifiers under Finidi George’s brief tenure, the team drew 1-1 with South Africa in Uyo and suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Benin, leaving them fifth in Group C. They currently trail behind Lesotho, who have five points, and the trio of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Benin, each with seven points.

Adepoju called for unity and patriotism within the team, urging the players to avoid division and enmity. He also highlighted the need for support from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to motivate the players.

“The NFF needs to act swiftly to unite the players and bring out their best for the next World Cup,” Adepoju added.

In response to the Eagles’ recent struggles, the NFF announced plans to hire a foreign coach. Finidi George, who was appointed head coach in April, resigned after learning of this decision.

The next round of qualifiers is scheduled for March 2025, with the Super Eagles set to travel to Kigali to face Rwanda on March 17 and host Zimbabwe a week later.

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