Reuben Abati slams Super Eagles, says they developed ‘elephantiasis’ after taking lead
On Thursday, March 27, veteran journalist Reuben Abati criticized Nigeria’s Super Eagles for their disappointing performance against Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, March 25, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Abati described how the Nigerian team, after taking a 1-0 lead through striker Victor Osimhen’s goal in the 74th minute, seemed to lose their focus, allowing Zimbabwe to equalize in the dying moments of the game. Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa scored in the 90th minute to seal a 1-1 draw.
In his remarks on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Abati expressed his disappointment with the Super Eagles’ inability to hold onto their lead. “Some of the players developed ‘elephantiasis’ after Osimhen’s goal,” Abati said, adding that the team’s failure to maintain their advantage against a determined Zimbabwean side left many Nigerians frustrated.
The draw keeps Nigeria in fourth place in Group C, trailing leaders South Africa. Abati also discussed how the poor result left Nigerians wondering whether they would qualify for the 2026 World Cup. He pointed to past comments from former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung, who had lamented the state of Nigerian football under poor leadership and administration. Dalung had previously highlighted the detrimental decision to remove the Ministry of Sports, which Abati suggested had contributed to the current state of affairs.
Abati also criticized the team’s poor management during the match, noting that the Super Eagles seemed to lose concentration despite having the game in their hands. He added, “We couldn’t even hold on to that one goal from the 74th minute to the 90th minute.”
Despite the setback, Abati believes there is still a chance for Nigeria to qualify, with upcoming matches against Rwanda and South Africa in September. However, he stressed that the team must regain focus and avoid further slip-ups if they hope to secure a spot in the World Cup.
