Super Eagles’ Struggles: Nigeria Faces Potential World Cup Miss Amid Coaching Woes

For Nigerians, few things unite hearts and minds like the Super Eagles taking flight on the international football stage. From the scorching deserts of the north to the humid creeks of the delta, allegiances to club and ethnicity dissolve when our national side dons the famous green and white.

This unity was on full display during the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast earlier this year. After a spirited run to the quarter-finals, Super Eagles fever gripped the nation, providing a welcome distraction from dire economic realities such as fuel subsidy removal, a sinking naira, and soaring food costs. Though the team fell just short in a heartbreaking final loss to the hosts, the campaign rekindled national pride in the three-time continental champions.

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Hopes were high that this momentum would carry forward. However, just months later, dreams have turned to disappointment. Former international Finidi George, tasked with leading the team after Jose Peseiro’s departure, has struggled mightily. The Super Eagles are now floundering in the CAF World Cup qualifying stage, facing the unthinkable possibility of missing out on the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

A draw at home against South Africa and a shocking loss in Benin have left the Super Eagles in a precarious position. Many Nigerian football lovers are disheartened and frustrated.

I was among those celebrating Finidi’s appointment, hoping that an indigenous coach could lead the national team to new heights, similar to how native coaches led Ivory Coast and Morocco to AFCON glory and a semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, Finidi has struggled with tactics and formation decisions, appearing out of his depth despite the wealth of talent at his disposal, including stars like Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Victor Boniface.

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Given Nigeria’s rich football history and talent pool, the current situation is unacceptable. Missed World Cups should be unthinkable for a football nation of Nigeria’s pedigree. The question now is whether to sack Finidi mid-campaign or to appoint an experienced technical advisor to work alongside him. Each option has its merits and pitfalls.

While some advocate for hiring an elite foreign coach, financial constraints may make this impractical for the Nigerian Football Federation. The economy has been battered in recent years, and funding a world-class manager might be out of reach.

Regardless of the path chosen, it is clear that decisive action is needed to protect Nigeria’s football legacy. The Super Eagles are Africa’s premier footballing brand, and the prospect of missing the World Cup is unacceptable. The Nigeria Football Federation must carefully weigh its options to ensure the team’s return to the global elite, as the passion of over 200 million Nigerians demands nothing less.

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