Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen has made it clear that he and his teammates are determined to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing that missing out on the global showpiece for the second time in a row would be a huge disappointment.

Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, Osimhen expressed his desperation and determination to lead Nigeria to the prestigious tournament, especially after their painful failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“It’s a dream of every footballer to play at the World Cup, and with our situation in the group, I am desperate, like other players, to make it to the 2026 tournament,” Osimhen said. “We suffered a big disappointment in 2022, and we simply can’t let it happen again to us, the country, and our generation.”

The Super Eagles currently sit fifth in Group C of the qualifiers with three points from four games, having recorded three draws and one defeat. Their qualification hopes hang by a thread, but two upcoming matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe present them with a crucial opportunity to get their campaign back on track.

Opinion: Time for Super Eagles to Show Their Quality and Mentality

Victor Osimhen’s comments highlight the sense of urgency within the Super Eagles camp. While it is refreshing to hear a player of his calibre speak so passionately about qualifying for the World Cup, the reality remains that Nigeria’s qualification journey has been below expectations.

The fact that the Super Eagles have yet to register a single win in their opening four games is worrying. This is a team blessed with talent, including the likes of Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi, and Moses Simon, but somehow, the results have been underwhelming.

The blame can be spread across various areas: tactical inefficiency, inconsistent performances, and perhaps a lack of cohesion within the squad. But Osimhen’s words are a reminder that individual brilliance alone cannot take Nigeria to the World Cup. The team needs to rediscover its winning mentality and put in performances that match their talent.

More importantly, the upcoming fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe will be the ultimate test of the Super Eagles’ resilience and determination. If they are to make the 2026 World Cup a reality, they must play every game like a final.

Osimhen is right—no footballer wants to end their career with the regret of never playing at a World Cup. The question is: Can the Super Eagles rise to the occasion and prove their doubters wrong?

What do you think? Will Nigeria turn their campaign around and qualify for the 2026 World Cup?