Victor Agali urges patience and support for Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of 2026 World Cup

Former Nigeria international Victor Okechukwu Agali has called on fans to remain patient and supportive of the Super Eagles as the team pushes forward in its quest to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 46-year-old, who represented Nigeria during his active playing days, emphasised the need for calm and encouragement amid growing scrutiny over the Super Eagles’ form in the qualifiers.

Speaking in an interview with Completesports.com, Agali urged supporters to understand the team’s current challenges and continue backing both the players and coaching staff.

“We must be patient with them and support them,” Agali said. “This is a new generation of players, and they need guidance and motivation, not criticism. We, the older generation, must play our part by standing behind them.”

Nigeria currently sits fourth in Group C of the CAF qualifiers, a position that has raised concerns about the team’s chances of reaching the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

However, Agali expressed confidence that the team can still turn things around in the remaining fixtures.

“The Super Eagles are still very much in it,” he continued. “It’s possible they win all the remaining matches. Of course, there are no guarantees in football—even that might not be enough—but it’s not the end of the world.”

Agali stressed that the journey towards a successful national team project should not be viewed in absolute terms, arguing that qualification, while important, should not be the only metric by which the team is judged.

He insisted that long-term development must remain a priority, regardless of whether Nigeria books its ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

“We all want to see the Nigerian flag flying high in Mexico, the United States, and Canada,” he said.

“But if that doesn’t happen, we must accept it, move on, and keep building.

The support must remain strong because this is not just about one tournament—it’s about the future of Nigerian football.”

Agali’s comments come at a time when many Nigerian fans have voiced frustration over inconsistent performances and the team’s current standing in the qualification race. However, his message is clear: rebuilding a winning squad takes time, and faith in the process is essential.

With four qualifiers remaining, the Super Eagles still have a chance to climb the table and secure a spot at the global showpiece.

Whether or not they achieve that goal, Agali believes the team deserves unwavering support from the nation.

“The players are doing their best,” he concluded. “Let’s be behind them—not just when they win, but especially when they face tough times. That’s how real progress is made.”