2026 FIFA World Cup: Nigeria cannot drop points again - Ex-Super Eagles star

Former Super Eagles defender Ben Iroha has urged Nigeria’s senior men’s team to treat their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with utmost urgency, starting with Saturday’s clash against Rwanda in Uyo.

The three time African champions currently sit fourth in Group C with seven points, behind South Africa (13 points), Rwanda (8 points), and Benin Republic (8 points). With just four matches left, Nigeria must win all remaining games to retain any realistic chance of securing a World Cup spot in Mexico, USA, and Canada.

Iroha, a key member of Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON-winning squad and the country’s first-ever World Cup team, stressed that the Super Eagles cannot afford to drop any more points.

“First, we must admit the fact that Nigeria has never come short of quality players at any level, youth or senior,” Iroha told Complete sports

“So, it’s not a matter of which players the coach (Eric Chelle) has selected. All of them are professionals, plying their trade in top European clubs. I believe that whoever is invited or allowed to play against Rwanda, or in any of the remaining qualifying matches, should give more than 100 per cent.”

Iroha stressed that Nigeria’s situation leaves no room for error, “We are in a difficult race against time. We must win every match, starting with Rwanda. Sitting fourth in Group C is not a fair reflection of the quality Nigeria possesses, given the country’s vast pool of footballing talent worldwide. That is why the Super Eagles need to win on Saturday against Rwanda to put qualification back on track.”

The 55-year-old, who earned 50 caps for Nigeria, believes victory over Rwanda will serve as a turning point as the Super Eagles prepare for tough away trips to South Africa and Lesotho, before closing the campaign at home against Benin Republic.