Former Nigeria international Friday Ekpo has slammed Nigeria’s poor display in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles struggled in the March international break, winning one and drawing one in the fifth and sixth rounds of the qualifying series.
Nigeria defeated Rwanda 2-0 before playing out a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe, sparking concerns about their qualification chances.
Playing at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Nigeria failed to make home advantage count, conceding a late goal that cost them two crucial points. This result leaves them six points behind group leaders South Africa.
“African football has progressed significantly. Nigeria still sees some teams as small, but we’re struggling to win against them.”
“We’re no longer giants; we’ve become ants. If we don’t beat Bafana Bafana in South Africa, our World Cup dream is over.”
Nigeria must regroup quickly before their next World Cup qualifiers in September. They will take on Rwanda on September 3 before their crucial game against South Africa on September 6, 2025.
