“This is damaging our football reputation,” says ex-Super Eagles star
Former Super Eagles defender Juwon Oshaniwa is sounding the alarm over Nigeria’s shaky path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that another failure to qualify could seriously harm the country’s football credibility.
Speaking to Sports Radio Brila FM on Wednesday after Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa, Oshaniwa didn’t hold back.
“From this outcome, we are going to miss consecutive World Cup tournaments,” he said. “This is seriously spoiling our reputation when it comes to football. It is demarketing and devaluing us.”
He added that, based on the current state of play, he’d be “surprised” if the Super Eagles manage to make it to the 2026 tournament.
Nigeria’s World Cup future on the line
Nigeria, a six-time World Cup participant, missed the 2022 edition in Qatar after being eliminated by Ghana in the playoffs. With qualification for 2026 now hanging in the balance, fans and pundits are growing frustrated — and anxious.
What makes this even more concerning is that Africa will have more slots than ever at the next tournament: 10 teams from the continent will qualify for the expanded World Cup, which will be hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
“It’s time to fix the system”
Oshaniwa, who played at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, says the issues go deeper than just one match or coach.
He’s calling on Nigeria’s football leadership to take a hard look at the structural problems holding back the national team — from talent development and coaching to organization and long-term planning.
