Jan 30

Jan 30 Sani Toro Confident Super Eagles Will Qualify for 2026 World Cup Despite Poor Start

Former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Alhaji Sani Ahmed Toro, has dismissed concerns over the Super Eagles’ sluggish start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, expressing strong confidence that Nigeria will secure a spot in the global tournament.

The Super Eagles currently sit in a disappointing fifth position in Group C, with only three points from four matches. They trail Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin, who each have seven points.

After missing out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they fell to arch-rivals Ghana, Nigeria faces an uphill battle to avoid another painful elimination.

With an important fixture against table-toppers Rwanda in Kigali on March 17, followed by a home clash against Zimbabwe, many fans are beginning to worry about the team’s chances.

“We Can Still Qualify” – Toro’s Optimism

Despite Nigeria’s struggles, Toro remains positive, insisting that all hope is not lost.

“We can still qualify. All we need to do is to put our house in order. The NFF must sit up in terms of logistics. The new coach has to work with indigenous coaches, especially Technical Director Austin Eguavoen. He does not know most of the players and needs to lean on Eguavoen to get the best.”

He acknowledged that South Africa, who currently leads the group alongside Rwanda, will be a major obstacle.

“The President of CAF is South African. They have good administration and they’re playing good football. They are ahead of Nigeria currently and will do everything to see that they pick the ticket.”

Nigeria’s History of Late-Stage Surprises

Drawing from Nigeria’s past experiences, Toro is confident that the Super Eagles will rise to the occasion.

“We’ll surprise the world and qualify. We always come to the party late. But once we are turned on, it’s difficult to let go.”

However, when asked about the possibility of failing to qualify, Toro was blunt:

“The coach goes. We wait for the next World Cup. The NFF officials are elected; you cannot touch them. The only thing is that it will be difficult for them to get re-elected.”

Opinion: Can Nigeria Overcome Its Challenges?

While Toro’s confidence is admirable, Nigeria’s qualification hopes are hanging by a thread. The lack of consistency, poor administration, and coaching instability continue to plague the team.

However, if the NFF takes urgent action, if the players step up, and if the new coach integrates well with the system, then perhaps the dream is still alive.

With six games left, the Super Eagles must treat every match like a final—or risk another heartbreaking World Cup absence.