Former Super Eagles midfielder, Sunday Mba has shared his thoughts on Nigeria’s road to the FIFA World Cup playoffs, urging the team to remain focused and find a way to secure qualification.
Speaking to Brila.net, Mba expressed disappointment that it took the team this long to show the right attitude.
“I saw what every Nigerian was expecting, the hungry Super Eagles, the team everyone wanted to see. If they were playing like this from the one set we would not be in the playoffs, we would have qualified for the FIFA World Cup. I do not know why we have to wait for the later stages to start putting effort.
“We would have been resting now. This playoffs is not even a guarantee let us be honest with ourselves,” Mba said.
Mba Responds to Criticisms Against Nigeria’s Playoff Ticket
The 2013 AFCON winner also spoke about the criticism from other African countries questioning Nigeria’s qualification.
“As it is most African countries are against us because of the way we qualified.
“Most of them feel we should not have gone. The only way to silence them is if we keep that same energy, like the same way we beat Benin in the last game.”
Reflecting on the 2013 AFCON final where he scored the winning goal, Mba encouraged the current squad to belief in themselves and fight to the end.
“I told myself it was my first final and I have to win the final at all cost since it was my first time and might be my only opportunity.
“So I told himself that I might need to do something magical so my name can be heard. So these players need to motivate themselves to find a way for them to qualify.”
Also read: Godwin Okpara Warns Super Eagles Ahead of 2026 World Cup Playoffs
Mba spent most of his career in the Nigeria Professional Football League where he played for Enyimba, Enugu Rangers, Dolphins and Warri Wolves.
He also had spells in Europe with CA Bastia in France and Yeni Malatyaspor in Turkey.
The highlight of his career came in 2013 when he helped Nigeria win the AFCON, scoring the only goal in the final.
