Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup ambitions have hit a significant roadblock following a 1-1 draw against South Africa, raising questions about team unity and accountability.
The match saw Ekong score an own goal, giving the hosts an early lead, but Calvin Bassey’s header rescued a point for the Super Eagles. Despite the late equaliser, the draw leaves Nigeria’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Following the game, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) issued a statement on their official X account, appearing to place the blame on Ekong for the setback.
Former Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Oliseh was quick to condemn both the federation and players for failing to defend their teammates. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Oliseh argued:
“Football is a team sport. From that alone, you already know why this Super Eagles is not performing. Your captain scored an own goal while trying to defend… Dessers, who was instrumental three days before, is now being criticised after a loss.”
He added that the silence of other players reflects poorly on team cohesion:
“They are shifting the blame away from the management and putting it on the players. None of the Super Eagles have spoken out. This lack of unity is what destroyed Nigeria in 2002.”
Oliseh also drew parallels to past failures, highlighting how internal disunity cost Nigeria a spot at the 2006 World Cup:
“Have we all forgotten that when they did this in 2002, the punishment we got was that we didn’t qualify in 2006? It became the first time in almost 20 years that Nigeria did not qualify for the World Cup. And that’s when the national team started to decline.”
With the draw, Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico, now faces uncertainty. Analysts and fans alike are calling for greater team solidarity and leadership if the Super Eagles are to secure a place at football’s biggest stage.
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