Former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has expressed grave concerns over Nigeria’s faltering campaign in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, warning that another failure to qualify would be a major embarrassment for the nation.
Rohr, who was at the helm when Nigeria reached the playoff round for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, was controversially sacked before the crucial games. His departure was followed by a disappointing exit at the hands of Ghana’s Black Stars, which denied Nigeria a place in the Qatar 2022 tournament.
Currently, the Super Eagles are struggling in their quest for the 2026 World Cup, with only three points from four matches, leaving them in a precarious position in Group C. Rohr, now the coach of Benin Republic, recently led his new team to a victory over Nigeria, further complicating the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes.
“If they miss another World Cup, for a country like Nigeria with some of the best players in Africa, it would be a little bit shameful,” Rohr stated in an interview. He highlighted the urgent need for all stakeholders, including the players, coaching staff, and the Nigerian Football Federation, to step up their efforts to secure qualification.
Rohr emphasized the need for a united approach, saying, “I think the players will do everything to make it to the World Cup, and the Federation and staff must also give their all. But they need to be realistic and acknowledge that they currently have only three points from four games.”
With the clock ticking and only a few matches remaining in the qualifiers, Nigeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup appears challenging. The Super Eagles must regroup and fight for every point to avoid the ignominy of missing out on football’s biggest stage for the second consecutive time.
