Former Nigeria international, Godwin Okpara is optimistic of the sides’ chances of securing qualification to the 2026 World Cup tournament to be staged in Mexico, USA and Canada.
The West African powerhouse has yet to find their rhythm in the qualification series, accumulating just three points from the initial four games.
Despite a torrid start to the qualifiers, the former Strasbourg and Paris Saint Germain star insists the Super Eagles to sail through in Group C considering the quality of players at their folds.
“1v1 Nigeria has better players than the teams in our World Cup group, and I’m confident we will qualify for the tournament next year,” he told Brila Media in an interview.
Nigeria next competitive matches will be against Rwanda on March 21, 2025, at Kigali’s Amahoro Stadium, followed by a home match against Zimbabwe on March 25, 2025, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The Super Eagles hopes to revive their qualification chances under new coach Eric Chelle, who was recently appointed to lead the national team.
Chelle is not new to the African continent, having held managing roles in several countries.
Chelle replaced Finidi George, who resigned following a disappointing start to the World Cup qualifiers, including a draw with South Africa and a loss to Benin.
He is no stranger to African football, having led Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, narrowly losing to host nation Ivory Coast in extra time.
