In the wake of the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in Uyo, renowned football analyst, Ekene Uche has advised the Super Eagles and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to abandon hopes of topping their group for direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to Ekene, the best the team can realistically aim for now is a playoff spot.
Speaking to reporters, Uche said, “With South Africa leading Group A with 13 points, they are simply unstoppable at this stage. They look good to claim the direct qualification ticket. The Super Eagles must stop deceiving themselves into believing they can overtake South Africa. The NFF, too, needs to face reality.”
The Super Eagles’ qualification campaign has been underwhelming, and the Zimbabwe draw only underscores the uphill battle ahead.
Currently, Nigeria is in fourth position and will need a combination of hard work and favourable results in other fixtures to secure a playoff position.
Ekene highlighted the chaotic management of the national team as a key factor in the faltering campaign.
“How can three different coaches handle just six matches? It’s no surprise our World Cup hopes are in jeopardy. Jose Peseiro managed two games, then Finidi George had a disastrous two-game stint, and now Eric Chelle has taken over. This lack of continuity is unacceptable,” he said.
Ekene however admitted that Eric Chelle, who recently took charge of the team, has shown promise despite the challenges.
“You could see Chelle’s tactical influence in the way the Super Eagles played against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, especially given the short time he had with the players. He’s a good coach, but it’s a daunting task for anyone to pick up the pieces mid-campaign.” he noted
The Imo state football analyst was however critical of Chelle’s decision-making during the Zimbabwe game.
“He made a big mistake by bringing on a striker instead of a defender when we were leading. That blunder cost us the win. But mistakes like this are part of the learning curve for any coach,” he added.
Despite the slim odds of World Cup qualification, Ekene believes Chelle’s tenure could still bring positive outcomes.
“Even if we don’t make it to the World Cup, Chelle has the potential to guide us to success in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). His ability to stabilize the team and implement his strategies is already visible,” he said.
Ekene also called on the NFF to prioritize long-term planning over quick fixes. “This isn’t just about one tournament. The NFF needs to start planning for the future, invest in youth development, and ensure the national team has a consistent coaching structure. The current system isn’t working,” he emphasized.