Former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia has expressed concern over Nigeria’s slim chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that the national team would need nothing short of a miracle to reach the tournament.
In an exclusive interview with Brila.net, Siasia acknowledged that while mathematically possible, Nigeria’s route to the World Cup is now highly improbable given their current position in the qualification standings.
“I think they would need a miracle but at the end of the day, it’s all about the fact that it sinks, right?,” Siasia said bluntly.
“So they have to go out there and do their best, give it their best shot. Because as difficult as it is, nothing is impossible.”
Nigeria currently sits in fifth place in Group C of the African qualifiers, with just three points from four matches—well behind leaders Rwanda and South Africa.
Siasia explained the importance of unity, urgency, and commitment from the players and staff when the team regroups for the next round of qualifiers.
“You know, you have to talk to the players, talk to themselves.”
“They know what to do to win the last couple of games to qualify. So it’s not going to be a walk in the park.”
“But if we all come together, we have great players. It’s just for them to come together and play as a team, to score goals.”
“I think they have to win the rest of their matches to qualify.”
Despite the difficult outlook, Siasia urged the team to remain serious, focused, and determined:
“Everything is possible. It’s the way you take care, the way you are serious about it.”
“And if you want to win, you put your best foot out there and make sure everybody plays together and make it happen.”
“Nothing is impossible.”
Samson Siasia, who previously led Nigeria’s U-23 team to Olympic silver in 2008 and managed the Super Eagles at various points, remains hopeful but realistic.
This pressure mounts on current coach Eric Chelle and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to rescue the 2026 World Cup dream before it slips away.
