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It feels like it was just yesterday—Argentina and France, locked in a World Cup final that had everything in Qatar. From the first whistle to the final penalty shootout, the game was a rollercoaster of emotions, drama, and unforgettable moments. Emiliano Martínez’s heroics in goal sealed Argentina’s triumph, capping off a match that will be remembered for years to come. It was a tournament we all got caught up in—or at least, most of us did, if we’re being honest.
Now, flip the coin to Nigeria. It feels like just yesterday when the Super Eagles played out a 1-1 draw with Ghana in Abuja, a result that saw us miss out on qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Since then, a lot has happened. And with another World Cup just around the corner, qualifying this time is crucial. It’s not a birthright, no, but Nigeria has a crop of players who deserve to be on that stage.
The 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, will see the tournament expanded to 48 teams, up from the usual 32. Africa have earned nine spots for this edition. But as things stand, Nigeria’s qualification hopes aren’t looking great. In Group C, they’re fifth, with three draws and one loss from four matches so far.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will take on Rwanda in Kigali and Zimbabwe later this month, and both games are crucial for their qualification hopes. With Eric Chelle taking the reins as head coach in January, the task ahead is clear: win, and win again. There’s no room for mistakes if they want to make it to the World Cup.
Very soon, his squad list will be released for the upcoming games. There are a few players I believe don’t quite deserve a spot, but I’ll set that aside and focus on those who are in the best shape to make the cut. So, who are these players?
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Tolu Arokodare
At this point, there’s no excuse for including players who can’t be trusted to deliver when called upon. It shouldn’t just be about having familiar names who’ve been in the squad before. That’s a blatant no! Tolu Arokodare has never earned a call-up to the Super Eagles, but trust me when I say he’s more than ready and fully deserving of one.
Tolu has played 28 league games this season, starting 26, and has scored 16 goals. Every single one of those goals has come inside the box, showing he can be as deadly as the likes of Osimhen. This is the kind of striker you need to call upon when you need that spark off the bench.
Chibuike Nwaiwu
With the defence not looking as solid as it could be, given some key players aren’t fully fit or available, Chibuike Nwaiwu should definitely be considered. He joined Wolfsberger AC in the Austrian Bundesliga from Enyimba in 2024, and he’s been having an impressive season. Out of the 19 league games they’ve played, Nwaiwu has started 11 and appeared in 14, consistently proving himself as a reliable presence both in defence and, at times, in midfield—showing off his versatility. He’s more than earned the chance.
Cyriel Dessers
Another interesting option up front is Glasgow Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers.
Dessers has been reliable in attack for his club, scoring 11 goals in 156 starts and 26 appearances overall, he could also serve as decnt option.
Joe Aribo
Joe Aribo had a rough spell that saw him ignored for a while, but he has really picked up his game for Southampton recently, scoring and creating chances.
Nduka Junior
Nduka Junior captained the CHAN Eagles to qualification for CHAN 2024 against Ghana in December, he was solid in defence and showed great leadership, he is a fantastic option for that department.
The most important thing now is that Eric Chelle and the players deliver, starting with wins against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month. That’s absolutely crucial.
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