Former Super Eagles forward Benedict Akwuegbu remains optimistic about Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite their current struggles in the qualifiers. Speaking to softfootball.com from London, Akwuegbu expressed confidence that Nigeria will secure a spot in the tournament, set to be co-hosted by Mexico, the USA, and Canada.
Despite sitting in fourth place in Group C, the Super Eagles will travel to Rwanda for a crucial matchday five fixture. Akwuegbu believes that with the right approach and the quality of players available, Nigeria will not miss out.
“I’m very optimistic that the Super Eagles will qualify,” Akwuegbu stated. “NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau has been working tirelessly to ensure this happens.
Our squad has world-class talents like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Kelechi Iheanacho. With the right system, we will secure our place in the World Cup.”
He also credited Gusau’s leadership for improving the domestic league, noting that teams are now winning away games more frequently.
Nigeria recently appointed Eric Sekou Chelle as head coach, a move Akwuegbu believes will reinvigorate the squad.
“With a new coach, every player must fight for his place. Chelle has already shown commitment by scouting players abroad and in the NPFL. This level of dedication will push the team forward,” he said.
However, Akwuegbu warned against excessive experimentation at this stage, urging the coach to stick with a tried-and-tested formula.
Akwuegbu, a former striker, emphasized the importance of playing with two forwards, arguing that Osimhen needs a strike partner to maximize his goal-scoring potential.
“Our traditional style has always been attacking. We need to pair Osimhen with another striker, maybe Victor Boniface. When you overwork a lone striker, he becomes ineffective. If we play with two attackers, one can compete for the ball while the other focuses on scoring,” he explained.
He also highlighted the importance of wing play, recalling Nigeria’s past success with wingers like Finidi George and Tijani Babangida.
For Nigeria to qualify, Akwuegbu believes the team must adopt a structured system:
- Formation: A balanced 4-4-2 with two strikers.
- Midfield Control: A strong No.10 and No.4 to dictate play.
- Wing Play: Utilizing pacey wingers to stretch opposition defenses.
- Compact Defense: A solid backline to maintain structure.
“This is the business end of the qualifiers,” Akwuegbu stressed. “We don’t have time for trial-and-error tactics. We must stick to our strengths—attack, press, and dominate. If we do that, we won’t just qualify; we can go far in the World Cup.”
With key players and a fresh tactical approach, Nigeria’s road to the 2026 World Cup remains open. The pressure is now on Chelle and his team to deliver.