Ajilore: Super Eagles Can Still Qualify for 2026 World Cup Despite Slim Chances

Ajilore: Super Eagles Can Still Qualify for 2026 World Cup Despite Slim Chances

By Niyi Busari 

Former Super Eagles midfielder Femi Ajilore remains optimistic that Nigeria can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the team’s slim chances of advancing to the intercontinental playoffs, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In an exclusive interview with BSN Sports, the former international said he believes the Super Eagles can secure a playoff ticket if they maintain the same level of commitment and performance displayed in their last two group-stage victories against Zimbabwe and Benin Republic.

 “I am hopeful about the Super Eagles’ qualification for the World Cup, even with the situation we are in,” Ajilore said. “For them to have managed a 4-0 win against Benin Republic shows they are ready for business.”

Ajilore emphasized that the level of support from the Federal Government, Nigerians, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) could play a decisive role in helping the team reach the FIFA Intercontinental Playoff scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico.

 “With the support the players are getting from Nigerians, the government, and the NFF, they have the full backing needed to qualify,” he added.

However, Ajilore cautioned that optimism alone will not be enough, stressing the importance of hard work and focus on the pitch.

 “Football is a practical game. No matter how much we pray or hope, if the players are not willing to give their best, we might lose the ticket,” he said. “But if they put in their best effort, qualification is possible. We have the quality players to get the job done. If they can replicate their club performances during the playoffs, I’m confident we will succeed.”

The former midfielder also pointed out that while Nigeria’s chances are slim, recent results show that the team is capable of defying the odds.

 “Even though our chances are limited, we can still make it, just like in the group stage when nobody believed we would qualify among the second-best teams,” Ajilore stated.

Nigeria will face Gabon in the CAF World Cup Playoff semi-final in November in Morocco. The winner will go on to meet either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final. The eventual champion will represent Africa at the FIFA Intercontinental Playoff in Mexico in March 2026.