Odegbami believes Nigeria could win the World Cup had they qualified

Nigeria's hopes of competing in the expanded 48-team tournament were dashed after a disappointing qualifying campaign. 

The Super Eagles failed to secure an automatic spot, losing out to South Africa, and also missed a potential playoff berth, which went to DR Congo.

The pain of missing out has been amplified for Nigerian supporters as both South Africa and DR Congo have performed admirably at the tournament, with several African nations making historic progress. 

Odegbami reveals that the Super Eagles would have been a powerful contender to win the World Cup if they had successfully qualified.

"I am missing Nigeria at the ongoing World Cup," Odegbami wrote in his Vanguard column.

"If Nigeria had managed, somehow, to qualify and to be participating, the Super Eagles, under Eric Chelle, and with the increasing number of gifted Nigerian players caught in Eric's scouting web around Europe these past few months, would have been one of the teams to beat in this World Cup."

Meanwhile, history was made as seven African countries storm into the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage

The tournament has seen unprecedented success for African teams, with seven of the continent's ten representatives—Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Cabo Verde, and South Africa—already securing their places in the next round. 

This has left many to speculate on what Nigeria, with stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Calvin Bassey, could have achieved.

While Nigeria missed its opportunity in 2026, the foundation being laid by Chelle suggests a promising future. 

With established stars leading the way and a new generation of talent emerging, Odegbami believes the Super Eagles are on track to become a major force in global football.