“Nigeria still stands chance of qualifying for 2026 World Cup” – Osayi-Samuel

Nigeria defender Bright Osayi-Samuel is not giving up on the nation’s dream of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite struggles in the qualifiers.

The Super Eagles lie fourth in the six-team Group C on seven points, six points behind leaders South Africa and one point behind Rwanda and the Benin Republic after six matches played.

Osayi-Samuel in an interview with the media said, the Eagles remain confident and fully aligned with the vision and tactics of head coach Eric Chelle.

“I still think we can qualify. The aim is just to win every single game. We believe in our team.

“Though it will be difficult, but for us and the team, I think we have a good chance,” he told The Nation.

When asked about the team’s trust in the new head coach, he described Chelle as a fantastic coach, whom he said was at home with his philosophy.

“For me, the coach is fantastic. The way he wants us to press and run; I think everyone in the team is aligned to his ideas,” he said. “In our last game against Russia, we contained a team that has not lost in six or seven matches. If we keep working together, we have a good chance.”

The three time African champions will resume the World Cup qualifiers in September with two fixtures, away to Rwanda and a home clash against group C leaders South Africa.

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