Nigerian football icon Austin Jay-Jay Okocha says he believes the Super Eagles can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the difficult path ahead.
Nigeria face Gabon on Thursday in a crucial World Cup playoff at the Hide Moulay Hassan Stadium in Morocco. The winner will meet either DR Congo or Cameroon for a chance to represent Africa in the inter-continental playoff for a World Cup spot.
Speaking during an interview, Okocha said he remains confident in Eric Chelle’s team.
“Once there is a glimmer of hope, of course I will believe, and that is the beauty of football,” he said.
“I still trust this team; I still believe it is possible for Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup. We put ourselves in this situation, and we are the only ones who can bring ourselves out of it.
“From their last outing, you could see the desire to correct their mistakes. They’ve given us hope.”
Okocha’s remarks come as Nigeria intensify preparations ahead of Thursday’s decisive showdown.
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