Former Nigerian international and 1980 AFCON winner, Dr. Felix Owolabi, has urged the Super Eagles not to lose hope in their quest for a 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket, insisting that the team still has a fighting chance.
In an exclusive interview with Sports Vanguard, Owolabi emphasized that nothing is impossible and that fate could still favor Nigeria.
“If God says we will be at the next World Cup, nobody can stop us,” he said, rallying both players and fans to remain optimistic.
“Fight to the Finish” – Owolabi Charges Eagles
The former Green Eagles star called on the team to step up their mentality, play with determination, and give their all in the remaining qualifying matches.
“The most important thing now is to fight to the finish. There is always room for improvement. From now on, we must excel in all our remaining games,” he urged.
He also dismissed the notion that head coach Finidi George should take all the blame for the team’s struggles, stating that the players themselves must take responsibility for their performances.
“Everything is not about the coach. The players must rise to the occasion and give their best,” he stressed.
Crowd Support & FIFA Rules on South Africa’s Case
Owolabi expressed delight at the massive fan support in Uyo, saying it could serve as a morale booster for the team.
He also touched on FIFA’s possible deduction of points from South Africa, explaining that football’s governing body has clear rules regarding rule violations.
“FIFA has its own regulations, and if a country violates them, punishment follows automatically. It does not require another country’s protest before action is taken,” he explained, recalling a similar experience in 1984 where he was wrongly booked for two yellow cards.
NFF’s Role in the Super Eagles’ Success
Finally, Owolabi urged the NFF (Nigeria Football Federation) to provide the right administrative support for the team, ensuring that all necessary logistics are in place for a successful campaign.
“The players must perform, but the NFF must also rise to the occasion and give them the backing they need,” he concluded.
With Nigeria’s qualification hopes hanging in the balance, Owolabi’s rallying cry serves as a wake-up call for the Super Eagles to give everything in the remaining matches.
