Super Eagles Will Rebound, Says Finidi, Despite Continued Winless Run

Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, have faced a challenging start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Despite their ongoing winless streak, head coach Finidi George remains optimistic about their chances of rebounding and securing qualification.

Currently, Nigeria sits fifth in Group C with just three points from three matches. On Friday, they managed only a 1-1 draw against South Africa in Uyo, further extending their winless run. Lesotho leads the group with five points, followed closely by Rwanda and Benin, both with four points. South Africa is in fourth place with two points, and Zimbabwe trails at the bottom with one point.

Coach Finidi, who took permanent charge of the team in April after Nigeria’s disappointing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, has emphasized the need for calm and focus. Despite the frustrating draw against South Africa, he believes that the Super Eagles can turn their fortunes around.

• ACE-SPED Core edifice inaugurated at UNN
• Tariff Increase: Court Fines MultiChoice ₦150m, Orders Free Subscription for All Nigerians
• Don identifies teenage pregnancy as leading cause of maternal, child mortality
• House of Representatives Approves Bill for Creation of Orlu State
• Nigeria Launches N75,000 Cash Transfers for 15 Million Households

“We know what is at stake and that we have to qualify for the World Cup, but that does not mean we have to run scared because of the draw,” Finidi stated. “I am not shaken, I am relaxed.”

The 53-year-old coach acknowledged the setback but urged his team to maintain their composure and prepare diligently for their upcoming matches. “We lost, but that shouldn’t break us; a victory will alter the course of events. Although it’s not the ideal outcome, we must get our minds straight,” he added.

Finidi’s confidence in the team stems from his extensive experience and past success as a former international winger. He served as an assistant to Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro for 20 months before taking over following Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast in the AFCON final in February.

• Finidi George Named Head Coach of Super Eagles for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
• Peseiro resigns as Super Eagles Coach
• Man City, Bayern, Real Madrid dominate 2023 World clubs ranking 28th August 2023
• Morocco earthquake: ‘We need help from whomever will give it’
• Outrage as RMAFC defends NASS, political office holders jumbo salaries

The Super Eagles are now gearing up for a crucial match against Benin on Monday, set to take place in Abidjan. This fixture is seen as a pivotal opportunity for Nigeria to revive their World Cup qualifying hopes before the campaign concludes in March 2025.

As the team looks to overcome their recent challenges, the support of Nigerian football fans remains steadfast. The upcoming matches will test the resilience and determination of the Super Eagles as they strive to regain their winning form and secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.