Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba backs Nigeria to qualify for World Cup ahead of playoff

Football icon Didier Drogba has thrown his weight behind the Super Eagles of Nigeria to secure qualification to the 2026 World Cup tournament as they gear up for the playoff next month.

The three-time AFCON winners missed out on automatic World Cup qualification, and are set to participate in a four-nation continental playoff to determine their fate for the global showpiece next year.

However, the former Chelsea star has stepped forward to defend the Super Eagles, urging calm and patience from fans as the team heads into the playoff.

Nigeria will face Gabon in the playoff semifinal on November 13, with the final slated for November 16.

Drogba acknowledged the intense scrutiny African teams face, often using Nigeria’s second-place finish at the 2023 AFCON as a key example. He noted how quickly public opinion can turn, saying, “You know, if Nigeria had won the African Cup of Nations, you wouldn’t even be saying that. But that’s football, you know, it doesn’t mean that your team is not good.”

Drogba pointed out the high, sometimes unforgiving, expectations in African football. “You finish 2nd, it’s like Chelsea finishing 2nd in the Premier League. Like it doesn’t count.” He stressed that reaching the final was a major accomplishment that deserves credit, not criticism, especially with talents like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman on the squad.

“That’s the level of expectation because you have won before. So I think the team is good,” Drogba stated.

The Ivorian legend cautioned the Super Eagles against relying on their reputation alone.

“The name is one thing. The most important thing is what’s happening behind.” He expressed hope for their qualification, saying, “It would be nice if they qualify because to have Nigeria in a World Cup is very important for Africa.”

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle and his charges are determine to triumph over other three nations to book a place for the inter-confederation playoff.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to announce the venues for the playoff, which will determine the African representative in the inter-confederation qualifiers, next March.