Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has attributed Nigeria’s shaky chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup to broader systemic problems within Nigerian football.
The Super Eagles sit third in Group C with 11 points from eight matches, six points behind leaders South Africa, who have just two games remaining. Group winners qualify directly for the tournament, while the best-performing runners-up may advance through playoffs.
Oliseh, who represented Nigeria at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, said the national team cannot succeed in isolation from the challenges facing the country.
“It’s looking almost certain now that we won’t go to the World Cup. Nigeria is not going to lose out because of just one error. It’s been errors in the past,” Oliseh said on his podcast.
He also criticized players for not taking full responsibility, particularly amid reports of unpaid match bonuses. “The players have to know that they have to succeed in spite of the federation… In all departments, we are not good enough. Simple,” he said.
Oliseh reflected on his own experience, noting that he played nearly a decade for the Super Eagles without qualifying for a World Cup and questioned the current players’ acceptance of ongoing issues.
Nigeria will face Lesotho and Benin Republic in their final two qualifiers, but their fate could be influenced by pending FIFA decisions regarding a potential points deduction for South Africa over an ineligible player.
The former captain’s comments highlight concerns over both administration and player accountability as Nigeria fights to keep its World Cup hopes alive.
