Former Super Eagles star Etim Esin has raised serious concerns over Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, blaming the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for its lackadaisical approach.
Speaking with Sports Vanguard, Esin criticized the NFF’s decision-making, particularly the appointment of coach Eric Chelle, whom he believes lacks the pedigree to lead the Super Eagles.
“As far as I’m concerned, the World Cup is a forgotten story,” Esin lamented. “Who is Eric Chelle? What’s his CV? What has he won? Or is he just here to use Nigeria to boost his profile?”
Esin also questioned the federation’s motives, accusing officials of prioritizing financial gain over the nation’s footballing success. “All they care about is money, not our qualification. We didn’t qualify for the last World Cup, and no one was held accountable. Nothing changed, so they don’t care.”
Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign is in crisis. After four matches in CAF Group C, the Super Eagles sit in a precarious 5th place with just three points, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin, all on seven points, with Lesotho ahead on five. Their last outing—a shocking 2-1 loss to Benin—has left their hopes hanging by a thread.
For Nigeria to turn things around, they must win their remaining matches and hope their group rivals slip up. With crucial qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe looming, the pressure is mounting on Chelle and the Super Eagles. Anything short of victory could spell doom for Nigeria’s World Cup dreams.
Can the Super Eagles pull off a miraculous comeback, or is Etim Esin’s warning a harsh reality check? Time will tell.
