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On 12 March, I x-rayed the Super Eagles and their pathway to the 2026 World Cup qualification. It was an in-depth and emotionally charged piece, yet free of sentimentality regarding any looming challenges in the days ahead (read here).
Given the Eagles’ result against Zimbabwe in front of a full-capacity crowd at the ‘Nest of Champions’ in Uyo, it’s fair to say we might be living in those days. A fixture that seemed like a walk in the park on the surface has turned into a mountain so high, even Everest would be envious.
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Zimbabwe’s last minute equaliser means that if you bet on the Super Eagles to win – you get your stake back as a bonus.
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The day began like any other for supporters of the three-time African champions, filled with hope and optimism for a consecutive win in what has been a finger nail-biting qualification campaign. The only CAF and FIFA-certified stadium stood ready to host the contest.
As is typical with most home matches, tickets sold out hours before kickoff — a gesture of goodwill from the state governor to ensure the team had unwavering support. While it’s not the norm for tickets to be distributed this way, it’s not against the rules either. Most importantly, anything that ensured the boys didn’t feel alone against the Warriors from Zimbabwe was acceptable.
An hour before kick-off, the team list was revealed, and hardly anyone raised complaints as manager Eric Chelle stuck with the same squad that had successfully dispatched Rwanda 2-0 at the architectural wonder in Kigali. With players who week in and week out delight their club fans at the highest levels of football – from England to Turkey, Spain, Belgium, and Germany, there seemed no way Zimbabwe could pose a threat.
Or so we believed.
After Eritrean official Teklu Mogos Tsegay signaled the end of the game, the sun dipped low over the Akwa Ibom skyline. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Our beloved Super Eagles, in front of over 30,000 fans inside the arena and millions watching across the globe, had just handed the Warriors a point, further deflating an already punctured World Cup qualification balloon.
It felt like a horror flick produced and directed by Tade Ogidan, evident as the players sank to their knees, faces buried in the grass, while the Warriors celebrated as if they had just secured passage to their first major tournament. But you couldn’t fault the team; their resilience paid off, and they were deserving of the point earned.
As the Eagles failed to capitalise on home support, far away in Abidjan, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana took full advantage of the neutral venue where Benin calls home, extending their lead in Group C.
Despite the despair felt by the nation after the final whistle, there is still hope for the team. Mathematically, they can still qualify, but it’s no longer in their hands. They now must rely on the teams above them to falter – and falter badly, while ensuring they deliver performances worthy of a spot at the greatest football fiesta.
Coach Eric Chelle exudes the demeanor of someone capable of handling pressure-evident in his decision to take on the job, given the precarious position the team finds itself in. However, with his touchline gesticulations and visible exertions, it’s clear even to him that this could be unlike anything he’s ever faced since stepping into management in 2014.
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I may not be a certified manager, but as a journalist and a fan of the team, I conclude this piece with this advice for the Coach: there is no room for extended hope as coach of the Super Eagles – only results matter most.
Ahead of the next round of matches in September, the team must focus on improving their defensive coordination. Minimising errors at the back and maintaining concentration throughout the match is vital. In his basket of superstars, another player must rise to complement Osimhen with goals. Above all, the mental resolve of the team must be prioritized, as the stakes are higher than ever.
Missing the World Cup in successive editions, even with the expanded format for 2026, would not only be unpardonable but also extremely bad business for all stakeholders.
