Super Eagles Can Still Make It To 2026 FIFA World Cup If, … Gernot Rohr

FORMER Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has said the team could still pick a World Cup ticket despite the setback in the first four games in the qualifiers.

Rohr was sacked by Nigeria two years ago, and now the head coach of Benin. He steered his new team to a surprise win over his former employers during the World Cup qualifiers match played in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. 

Since Rohr’s departure, Nigeria has changed coaches three times – Austine Eguavoen, Jose Peseiro, and Finidi George.

However, the Super Eagles are languishing in fifth place in the race for the 2026 World Cup, after failing to make the last edition in Qatar.

Rohr however believes Nigeria could pick the World Cup ticket despite the setback in the first four games in the qualifiers.

He said, “South Africa are number one, we have to be realistic. Number two can still be Nigeria if they all come together in good spirits with all the players highly motivated.

“They have to beat Lesotho, they can beat Rwanda, they can beat Zimbabwe, they should beat all these teams. And at home, they can beat Benin, but I think we also can beat Nigeria again.

“So, if they win these four matches, you know, it’s 12 points. And if they beat South Africa, I think they can still do it. But they have to beat South Africa in South Africa, which will not be easy. And so, for me, Benin also has a little chance, because now the confidence is there, and the team is together.

“We don’t have the substitutes, the bench, like they (Eagles) have. You know, I could make only two changes (against the Eagles) because the other boys were not really ready yet to play these very tough games. I think a country like Nigeria, who missed the last World Cup after losing against Ghana, can do better now.

“The only disappointment for me was missing the 2022 World Cup (with Nigeria) because I was sure that we could do it after finishing first in our group. But they decided to change everything. If they miss another one, for such a football country with the best players in Africa, it would be a little bit shameful.

“So, I think the players will do everything to go there (World Cup), and also the federation and the staff. But now, of course, they must be realistic and say that it’s only three points in four games,” he stated. 

Super Eagles will get a new face on the dugout according to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the resignation of coach Finidi George.

Rohr was named manager of the Super Eagles in 2016 and his Nigeria-led team became the first African side to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in 2017.

In 2020, the then NFF President Amaju Pinnick announced that all contractual agreements had been finalised for Rohr to extend his contract with the team.

Eighteen-Eleven Media