Former Super Eagles and Maccabi Haifa defender, Eric Ejiofor, has dismissed Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the national team’s players have shown neither seriousness nor commitment.
Ejiofor, who was capped several times for Nigeria during his playing career, expressed deep disappointment over the Super Eagles’ performances in the qualifiers, stressing that the team lacked the right mentality for such a global stage.
“How do we want to qualify for the World Cup? Where is the opportunity? We didn’t use it.
“When the chance is very slim, we want to start hoping and praying. From day one, we weren’t serious about it.”Ejiofor said.
According to him, the players have failed to approach the qualifiers with the hunger and responsibility that a tournament like the World Cup demands.
“I don’t think the players understand they are competing to play in the World Cup. It is so sad because their attitude towards the game isn’t encouraging,” he added.
Ejiofor questioned the commitment of some players who have never featured at the World Cup.
“Many of them haven’t gone to the World Cup in their career, and this would have been the first time. I don’t know what they were thinking.” he said.
He admitted that while the Nigeria Football Federation has its own problems, the players must take responsibility for their careers.
“Let’s remove the aspect of the Nigerian Football Federation, we know they have their own issues, but you, the player, must think about your future and career. Most players get big contracts after the World Cup,” Ejiofor explained.
The ex-defender also condemned the lack of professionalism shown by players during training camps.
“Imagine the attitude of coming to the team camp, some enter on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to just do only two trainings, and you want to play a match. It’s not possible, and you don’t work like that,” he said.
Ejiofor was equally blunt about the team’s lack of cohesion.
“Football is teamwork, we aren’t playing as a team, and I won’t keep my hope. I have already removed from my mind the idea that we will go to the World Cup,” he declared.
Recalling Nigeria’s struggles in recent games, Ejiofor said: “Imagine the two games, how are we sure we can win them? Remember, we had a few games earlier, and we had hoped for good outcomes to keep us in contention. Apart from what the coach tells you to do, you must establish yourself on the pitch and say this is our home. You can imagine this, our last game against Rwanda, was our first home win.”
While noting that he would be glad if the team proved him wrong, Ejiofor stressed that optimism alone is not enough.
“If they surprise me, good, but the way people are hopeful, it’s not me; I won’t disturb myself. Look at South Africa, the coach has been there for almost five years. He knows how to organise his team, and the players understand what to do,” he concluded.
