Former president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has expressed optimism that the Super Eagles can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria have been underwhelming so far, failing to win any of their first four matches. The team sits 4th in Group C, six points adrift of leaders South Africa.
Pinnick, recalling Nigeria’s challenging qualification campaign for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, said the current situation is not beyond redemption.
“The truth is, never say never until the final whistle,” Pinnick said. “I know Nigeria’s mentality. In 2018, nobody gave us a chance.”
He noted that despite being placed in a “group of death” back then, Nigeria still secured qualification.
“Cameroon were defending champions, Algeria were unbeaten in nearly 20 games, and Zambia were strong, but we qualified. That’s why I still keep the faith with this team,” he said.
