Former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, has identified three crucial players who he believes could have changed the outcome of Nigeria’s recent 2026 World Cup qualifiers, according to Sportblog247.com.

The Super Eagles suffered a 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and a defeat to Benin Republic, severely impacting their chances of qualifying for the next World Cup. Rohr’s Benin Republic team handed Nigeria their first loss in the qualifiers held in Côte d’Ivoire.

Rohr pointed out the absence of three pivotal players: 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament William Troost-Ekong, Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, and FC Nantes star Moses Simon. He believes their presence could have made a significant difference in the matches.

“The group is still open, that’s true, and only four points separate us with six games to play. It’s possible that in all the last games, there can be a decision in Uyo when we play Nigeria. It could be a final because the Super Eagles will come back. It was difficult for them without Osimhen, Ekong, and Moses Simon. It’s a good team Finidi (George) has, and perhaps missing the very best players and Osimhen also, he can have some explanations for the defeat,” Rohr said, as quoted by Punch.

Despite their poor performance in the qualifiers—three draws and one loss—the 2023 AFCON silver medalists have only accumulated three points out of a possible twelve. Currently without a coach, there is hope that a new leader can guide the team to their first victory in the qualifying games when they face Rwanda in their next match.

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