Ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa, former Kenya coach Engin Firat has stated that Nigeria remains in contention for a place in the finals, despite their slow start to the campaign. Firat’s comments come as the Super Eagles, now led by head coach Eric Chelle, prepare for a must-win match against the Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein.
Nigeria’s qualifying journey has been a challenging one, with draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, followed by a loss to Benin Republic. However, their recent win against Rwanda has put them back on track, and they currently sit third in Group C with 10 points, six points behind the leaders with three games remaining.
Firat, who previously coached Fenerbahce and Eintracht Frankfurt, acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead. “There is a chance, but it’s a very slim one,” he told Flashscore.com. “Only the group winners qualify directly, and then four of the best runners-up across the continent go to the play-offs. That means Nigeria have to win every single remaining game.”
Tactical Advice and The Osimhen Factor
Firat provided tactical suggestions for how the Super Eagles can overcome South Africa, who risk a three-point forfeiture from FIFA for allegedly fielding an ineligible player. He emphasized the importance of controlling the midfield and disrupting the Bafana Bafana’s rhythm with an aggressive high press.
“Without Osimhen leading the line, Nigeria needs more fluidity up front,” Firat added, lamenting the absence of the team’s star striker due to injury. He advised a compact structure at the start of the game, which can be opened up as the match progresses, and stressed that the Super Eagles must take control early rather than playing a reactive game.
Long-Term Consequences of Failure
Looking beyond the current campaign, Firat cautioned about the long-term impact on Nigerian football if the team fails to qualify for a second consecutive World Cup. He highlighted the potential loss of vital FIFA funds, a decrease in sponsorship deals, and a blow to the nation’s footballing reputation.
“Nigeria is supposed to be one of Africa’s giants and if they miss two World Cups in a row, people will start to question that status,” he said. He believes the issue isn’t a lack of talent but a lack of a clear, long-term vision and stability within the federation. “To qualify consistently, we need a long-term vision for football in Nigeria, one that lasts beyond a single tournament or a single coach. That’s the only way to stop underachieving and return to where we belong: competing with the best in the world.”
