)
The road to the next FIFA World Cup presents a daunting challenge for the Nigeria Super Eagles, coach Jose Peseiro has said.
In a recent statement, Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro sounded the alarm, cautioning that Nigeria’s upcoming matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe won’t be a walk in the park some might expect.
The warning comes as the Nigerian national men’s team gears up for crucial matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.
)
20:51 - 26.10.2023
Victor Boniface: Watch the Nigerian striker's stunning goal for Bayer Leverkusen in the UEL
Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface was on target again for Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, this time in the UEL.
)
19:51 - 26.10.2023
Gift Orban: Nigeria Super Eagles star ends 10-game drought as Gent run riot in UECL
Gift Orban started on the bench before he came on to seal an incredible evening for Gent in the UEFA Europa Conference League, UECL.
Nigeria in the FIFA WCQ
The Super Eagles will get the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup underway when they host Lesotho on Nov 15, 2023.
Three days later, Peseiro and his Eagles will be visitors to Zimbabwe in Rwanda after the Warriors failed to get approval for a local Stadium in Harrare.
)
Ahead of the double-header against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, Peseiro’s Eagles prepared with two friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.
Nigeria was held to a 2-2 draw by the Green Falcons before a 3-2 win against Mozambique ended a run of 15 games without a win in international friendly matches.
Peseiro on Lesotho and Zimbabwe
Known for his pragmatic style, the Portuguese manager has reiterated that he remains committed to leading Nigeria to the AFCON title next year and taking Nigeria to the FIFA World Cup.
However, while the 63-year-old believes the games next month are a must-win, he warns that Lesotho and Zimbabwe won’t be easy teams to see off.
)
“When I signed my contract, my ambition was to take Nigeria to the World Cup and make them African champions,” he said per Newsday via BBC.
“You must beat Lesotho and Zimbabwe, but you cannot think it’s easy. Before it’s possible you could see the big difference between the teams but that is no longer true. The teams are closing those gaps,” the former FC Porto boss added.
)
The matches next month are significant stepping stones on the path to the next FIFA World Cup slated for the United States of America, and Peseiro wants his players to approach them with the utmost seriousness.
After the Super Eagles missed out on the 2022 party hosted by Qatar, Nigerians will be eager to see their beloved team take the qualifiers seriously.
Peseiro’s words will serve as a reminder that no match on the path to the FIFA World Cup is guaranteed victory, and that each game will demand the highest level of dedication and effort.
Related content
)
18:29 - 26.10.2023
REPORT: Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise willing to dump Nigeria for AFCON rivals
Michael Olise could be set to play a part at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast but not with the Super Eagles of Nigeria
)
12:54 - 26.10.2023
Nigeria's Victor Osimhen credits Saudi Pro League's growth to Cristiano Ronaldo's influence
Nigeria Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen runs the rule on Cristiano Ronaldo's role in the rise of the Saudi Pro League.
)
11:19 - 26.10.2023
FIFA Ranking: Nigeria ahead of Ivory Coast, Ghana and Haaland’s Norway
The Super Eagles are ranked ahead of their Group A opponents, Ivory Coast, in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
)
10:58 - 26.10.2023
‘I never had any goal’ - Plumptre on representing Nigeria
Super Falcons star Ashleigh Plumptre has opened up on her representing her country Nigeria.
)
10:43 - 26.10.2023
I want Saudi women to get a chance to learn and grow- Plumptre
Ashleigh Plumptre became the first player from the Women's Super League to play in the Saudi Women's Premier League.
)
16:19 - 25.10.2023
We were robbed - Reactions as Super Falcons survive scare in Ethiopia thanks to Jesus baby
The Nigeria Super Falcons will look to finish the job against Ethiopia when they return to Nigeria.
![[VIDEO] Watch as Super Eagles star vexes for Napoli fans seeking autographs](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/24102023/007dcca3-2fd7-4d66-bf89-a585f6ad9dc8.jpg?operations=fit(:350))
19:07 - 24.10.2023
[VIDEO] Watch as Super Eagles star vexes for Napoli fans seeking autographs
Victor Osimhen was not happy with autograph-seeking fans who got too close to his car
)
13:05 - 07.03.2024
Osimhen, Boniface headline top 10 most valuable Nigerian footballers 2024 {Full List}
The value of Nigerian footballers around the world continues to increase on a weekly basis and Victor Osimhen remains top of the pile.
)
12:05 - 24.10.2023
Mikel Obi: Super Eagles legend declares Nigeria's AFCON13 victory his biggest achievement
Nigeria Super Eagles icon John Mikel Obi believes that winning with the national team is difficult.
)
23:05 - 23.10.2023
Top 5 greatest quotes about Rashidi Yekini, Super Eagles’ Goalsfather
"The greatest ever," "Just like Pele," "irreplaceable." Nigerian legend Rashidi Yekini is fondly remembered by his peers even in his death
)
21:08 - 22.10.2023
Without Osimhen “We still have a lot of quality in attack“ — Napoli manager Rudi Garcia declares
After watching his side demolish Verona this weekend, Napoli manager Rudi Garcia believes his side can cope without the injured Victor Osimhen
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)