Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has expressed confidence that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on Arise News, Pinnick urged the Super Eagles players to show commitment and unity ahead of their crucial matches against Lesotho and the Benin Republic.

He said the team must approach the games with the same hunger and professionalism they display at club level, stressing that patriotism and focus will be key to turning things around.

“The only thing you can do is to psyche the players. Let them look at Nigeria, the national morale. Let them be very patriotic on and off the pitch,” Pinnick said. “Let them give us their best, the same thing they do for their clubs, let them come and do it here.”

Now serving as Deputy Chairperson of FIFA’s Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, Pinnick revealed that he maintains close contact with the players to boost morale.

“One thing I always preach to them, the captain is the coach on the pitch. I am in touch with them, and I talk to them because we must qualify. I have a strong feeling that we can still qualify. If we beat Lesotho tomorrow, come home and beat Benin, let’s just wait and see,” he added.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees has assured that his team will play with full commitment when they face South Africa in Durban, despite being out of contention for qualification.

“For us, it’s very important. It is a match which counts in the league table for the FIFA ranking,” Nees told Gagasi FM. “The last thing you want to be accused of is somehow not giving your best. We have our responsibility to be sportsmen and give everything we have.”

Naija News reports that Zimbabwe are bottom of Group C with four points, while South Africa, Nigeria, and Benin remain in a tight race for qualification.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]