Friday, August 14, 2026

Super Eagles can still qualify for 2026 World Cup: Mutiu Adepoju

To address the Eagles’ recent struggles, the NFF has announced that a foreign coach would be hired for the team.

• June 23, 2024
Mutiu Adejoju (Credit: Goal)
Mutiu Adejoju (Credit: Goal)

Ex-International, Mutiu Adepoju, says nothing is impossible and Nigeria’s Super Eagles can still qualify for the 2026 World Cup with determination, hard work and seriousness.

Adepoju told journalists on Sunday that the players needed resilience, as there was no magic but to win all their remaining matches to be at the 2026 World Cup tournament.

“First, the players need to be calm, settle down in oneness and be determined to win all the next matches.

“The team needs to really settle down, have focus and find a way of moving forward to qualify for the next tournament,” he said.

Adepoju also appealed to the team to play in oneness and unity and be patriotic during their remaining matches.

He advised them to shun the attitude of pull him down, division and enmity in camp.

The former Super Eagles player also urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to urgently make available things that would motivate the players to perform.

“As for NFF, I don’t have much to say, but the federation needs to act fast to unite the players so as to bring the best out of them for the next world cup,” Adepoju said.

There has been public outcry over the Super Eagles’ dismal performance in the World Cup qualifying series. The team is precariously placed fifth behind South Africa, Rwanda, Lesotho, and Benin Republic in the race for a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

To address the Eagles’ recent struggles, the NFF has announced that a foreign coach would be hired for the team.

Finidi George, who was appointed as the team’s head handler in April, has resigned in the face of the development.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Lawal Daura and Seyi Makinde

Politics

2027: Makinde picks former SSS DG Daura as running mate

Mr Daura previously served as the SSS director-general between 2015 and 2018.

police

States

Police nab 19-year-old wife for allegedly trying to poison husband in Bauchi

According to the command’s spokesperson, the victim is currently receiving medical treatment.

German police

Anti-Corruption

Suspected bomb found on train tracks in Germany

The development has suspended other activities, including rail traffic, as investigations continue.

Appeal Court and SDP logo

Politics

Appeal Court sets aside judgement recognising Gabam as SDP chairman

Mr Adebayo said the judgement marked the conclusion of the prolonged legal dispute over the leadership of the party.

Agriculture minister Abubakar Kyari

Agriculture

FG unveils national agricultural mechanisation policy

The minister urged youths and women to participate actively in the mechanisation economy.

Kogi assembly members

States

Kogi assembly moves to control rent increases, agency charges

Mr Lawal said the legislation became necessary following the sharp increase in house rents.