Mutiu Adepoju: Former Real Madrid Attacker Optimistic About Nigeria’s World Cup Qualification

• Chances that the Super Eagles of Nigeria qualify for the 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup are hanging by a thread
• The West African nation opted to part ways with their manager after suffering a defeat against the Republic of Benin
• A former Real Madrid attacker has expressed confidence that the Super Eagles will secure a spot at the Mundial

The Super Eagles of Nigeria find themselves in a difficult situation as they seek qualification for the 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup.

The African football powerhouse have done themselves little good, no thanks to a string of horrendous results recorded through the qualification series for the showpiece.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finalists, who are battling to represent Africa at the World Cup, have failed to record a victory in their first four outings.

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The Nigerian team’s qualification hopes took another blow with another draw and a disappointing defeat recorded against South Africa and the Republic of Benin, respectively.

However, despite the Super Eagles' poor results, former Real Madrid attacker, Mutiu Adepoju, has continued to express optimism, stressing his belief that Nigeria will qualify for the next edition of the World Cup.

Adepoju speaks on Nigeria’s World Cup hopes

In an interview with Sports Brief, the 53-year-old, who featured in three different editions of the World Cup between 1994 and 2002, emphasised that there is still a significant chance for Nigeria to qualify for the Mundial.

"I think so, and I believe so," he said. "Because we are not out mathematically. We still have about six matches to play, and I believe if we can win every one of our matches, we have every option to qualify. But we need to do what is necessary. We have what it takes. I believe we can still qualify."

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The Super Eagles, who missed the 2022 edition of the tournament, currently sit fifth in their group C standings with a slim chance of qualification for the 2026 showpiece.

Additionally, the Nigeria team faces a lingering issue with the coaching situation, as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) continues to shortlist candidates to fill the vacuum created by Finidi George, as reported by OwnGoalNigeria.

Aghahowa names key deficiency in Nigeria’s squad

Sports Brief also previously reported on ex-Nigeria striker, Julius Aghahowa's, observation of a significant deficiency in the current side.

The 42-year-old expressed concern about the lack of a particular ability amongst the forwards with the national team, the Super Eagles.