Former Nigeria captain Christian Chukwu has emphasized the crucial factors the Super Eagles must focus on to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With Nigeria struggling in the early stages of the qualifiers, Chukwu, 74, highlighted the importance of determination, self-belief, and decisive victories in the upcoming matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The Super Eagles face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21, followed by a clash with Zimbabwe on March 25—both fixtures that could prove pivotal in their bid to reach the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Nigeria currently finds itself in a difficult position in Group C, sitting fifth with just three points from four matches.
Rwanda tops the group with seven points, ahead of South Africa and Benin, who are also on seven points but trail on goal difference.
Lesotho occupies fourth place with five points, while Zimbabwe is at the bottom with two.
A victory against Rwanda is seen as critical for Nigeria’s hopes of progressing, and Chukwu, who captained the national team to its first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and later coached the Super Eagles, stressed the need for unwavering commitment from the players.
“Every player knows that the pinnacle of their career is to play in the World Cup,” Chukwu said. “I still want to be a player.
Players must first be determined and committed to this cause.
He further underlined that self-belief and strong performances in the upcoming matches would be key to keeping Nigeria’s qualification hopes alive.
With the Super Eagles facing mounting pressure, Chukwu remains confident that the team can turn its fortunes around and secure a place at the 2026 World Cup.
His words serve as a rallying call for both players and supporters, as Nigeria seeks to avoid missing out on a second consecutive World Cup after failing to qualify for Qatar 2022.
