Super Eagles Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye Confident of Nigeria’s Qualification for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is confident that Nigeria will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the team’s current difficult position in their qualification group.
The Udinese shot-stopper believes the Nigerian men’s national team has the spirit and talent to overcome the challenges ahead of the upcoming qualifying matches.
Nigeria is currently fourth in their World Cup qualifying group, six points behind group leaders South Africa, whom they will face in September when the qualifiers resume.
In an interview with Brila FM, a sports radio station, Okoye expressed the team’s positive mindset as they prepare for the resumption of the qualifiers in September.
According to the goalkeeper, the Super Eagles need the prayers and encouragement of Nigerian supporters to achieve the remarkable feat of qualifying for the World Cup.
“We are in very good spirits, and I think with the twelfth man — over 250 million Nigerians-we will always have hope,” he said, emphasising the crucial role of fan support.
“I believe we need that support — all the prayers and love for the team.
“We will come back together in September, and we have the team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.”
With seven points from six games, the Nigerian squad is currently ranked fourth in Group C of the CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
South Africa leads the group with 13 points, six points ahead of the Super Eagles. Lesotho has six points, Zimbabwe has four, while Rwanda and Benin are tied for second place with eight points each.
