Amid growing concerns over the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, former Secretary General of the defunct Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Alhaji Sani Ahmed Toro, has expressed confidence that the national team can still secure a spot at the global football stage. Despite Nigeria’s disappointing absence from the 2022 World Cup and their current fifth-place standing in Group C, Toro believes that the team’s path to qualification remains open.
The Super Eagles, who missed out on the 2022 World Cup after failing to overcome Ghana in the qualifiers, now face an uphill battle in the 2026 campaign. With just three points from four matches and trailing South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin, the Super Eagles will need a strong comeback in their remaining fixtures, including a crucial match against Rwanda on March 17 in Kigali. Toro, however, remains optimistic, stressing that with proper organization and coordination, Nigeria can still reach the World Cup.
“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,” Toro remarked. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the new coach and indigenous coaching staff, particularly Technical Director Austin Eguavoen, who he believes can play a pivotal role in getting the best out of the team. “The new coach has to work with indigenous coaches, especially with Austin Eguavoen. He does not know most of the players and needs to lean more towards Eguavoen to get the best,” Toro advised.
Acknowledging the challenge posed by South Africa in the group, Toro noted that the presence of the South African Football Association (SAFA) President, Patrice Motsepe, and the country’s strong football administration makes them formidable opponents. However, he remains hopeful that Nigeria can defy the odds. “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,” Toro confidently stated, referring to Nigeria’s history of late but successful qualification efforts.
In a candid assessment of the potential consequences of failure, Toro mentioned that the coach’s tenure would be in jeopardy if the Super Eagles fail to qualify. “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,” he explained. However, he emphasized that Nigeria’s qualification is still within reach, urging the public to support the team and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Toro also praised the establishment of the Presidential Support Group (PSG) for the World Cup qualification, which he believes will be instrumental in galvanizing support for the Super Eagles’ campaign. “The World Cup is for Nigerians, and I’m happy that they have set up the Presidential Support Group, PSG, for the World Cup qualification,” Toro concluded. With his unwavering belief in the team’s potential, the former NFA secretary’s words provide a much-needed boost for the Super Eagles as they look to overcome the challenges ahead and secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
