Super Eagles of Nigeria’s ouster in the just concluded FIFA World Cup African playoffs in Morocco, wasnt just a missed opportunity for players of the senior national team, the crash was an embarrassment to the entire country.

Over 250 millions Nigerians stayed glued to the television with enthusiasts from rest of the world, waiting to celebrate Nigeria’s passage to the next mundial. Alas! The dream was dashed and left soccer enthusiasts frustrated as the Eagles displayed poor quality that negates the country’s football capability.

Failing to reach a record seventh senior men’s FIFA World Cup appearance, having qualified for six editions in the last eight, meant that Nigeria has missed out in the 2006 and 2022  editions, and now 2026 to be held in United States of America and Canada..

Before the fatal crash of the Eagles, the Nigerian team had trounced Gabon 4-1 in the first semi final playoffs in Morocco, and were held to a 1-1 draw by Congo at full time of the final African playoffs. However, Congo DR captain, Chancel Mpenba’ s last penalty goal during the ensuring penalty shootouts, nailed the coffin of Nigeria from advancing to the last round of qualifiers to be held against some European countries.

Notably, the World Cup qualifiers commenced in November 15, 2023 with Africa benefiting extra slots, as FIFA increased participation to nine slots for the first time in 2026 edition. Sadly, Nigeria’s approach to one of the most lucrative platforms for men’s football remained a shame up until the last kick of the playoffs.

The World Cup qualifying Group in Africa pitched the Super Eagles in what looked like an easy group, though they started the campaign under the Portuguese manager, Jose Peseiro.

But, the Eagles started on a wrong footing, drawing shockingly against Lesotho and Zimbabwe across two fixtures held on November 16th and 19th of 2023. The Nigerian side didn’t stop there, they played other three draws in winnable games during the qualifiers and put themselves in the tight corner as South Africa smiled away with the sole ticket in the group.

To add some insults to the team’s injury, the Portuguese Manager was given the boots by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and appointed former Eagles’ striker George Finidi to steer the ship further.

Rather than things improving as the qualifiers progressed, series of infighting and distractions bedeviled the Eagles’ camp and thus they continue to falter with poor results against South Africa (1-1) and a disappointing 2-1 loss to neighbours, Benin Republic, coached by Rorh, a former coach of Nigeria.

When the situation was looking like all hopes would be lost, the NFF hired Frenchman Eric Chelle in January 2025, to lead the Super Eagles through a task believed to be impossible.

Surprisingly, the Frenchman put up an appreciable effort in Group C’s remaining qualifiers by leading the Super Eagles to finish second on the table, thus qualifying for the playoffs. The Eagles didn’t lose any of the group qualifiers under coach Chelle.

It was argued that had Eric Chelle been in charge of the team early enough, the Super Eagles would have qualified for their seventh World Cup.

Looking at the players technically, well over half of the team were not committed, unlike the rising striker of Galatasaray of Turkey, Victor Osimhen, who played out his heart for Nigeria.

Just a few eagles like Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Frank Onyedika also put up an average display during the qualifiers, but they falter towards the final games. Their poor resistance levels was exposed when Nigeria confronted a physically tough opponents in DR Congo who dominated the playoff in Morocco.

With the midfield not really inspiring, the goalkeeping department was also suspect, as Stanley Nwabali, the best of the team’s three goalkeepers, continued to fumble in-between the sticks. Nwabali conceded questionable goals during the qualifiers.

The attacking area of the Eagles has some good strikers such as Moses Simon, Lookman, Chkwueze, and a host of others, but poor coordination prevented the team from soaring to the desired height.

another issue that destroyed Nigeria’s chances during the qualifiers was the Players’ bonuses and allowances, which continued to threaten the smooth flight of the Eagles.

With the few problem areas itemized, this magazine must note that the current Super Eagles squad remains a work in progress with new players being discovered. players such as Benjamin Fredrick, Akor Adams and Tosin Arokodare as well as defender Calvin Bassey and and a few others could form the nucleus of a new Super Eagles for the forth coming African Cup of nations (AFCON).

For a better tomorrow, invitation to the Super Eagles should be done on merit, notably the players who are regulars in their respective clubs and such players must be ready to don the green and white colours of Nigeria.

The coaching department is currently average, but current Manager Eric Chelle can be retained for continuity, this will enable the country to reassess the team’s next engagement at AFCON.