'We won’t qualify' - 2013 AFCON winner believes Nigeria won’t be at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Former Super Eagles striker and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hero Brown Ideye has poured cold water on Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing poor performances and a lack of urgency from the current squad.

The 36-year-old, who featured prominently in Nigeria’s AFCON-winning campaign under the late Stephen Keshi, expressed his deep frustration with the team’s ongoing struggles in the World Cup qualifiers.

In a candid interview with Official54x, the former West Bromwich Albion and Dynamo Kyiv forward didn’t mince words.

“With the present form, I don’t think we are going to qualify, unless and maybe if something changes.

“That’s because we always forget to do our job at the right time. We then look for someone else to clean up our mess. Why do we keep doing this?,” Ideye said.

For Ideye, the issue is not just form but the mentality and leadership culture in Nigerian football.

He continued, “Why can’t we just win our games and let other people do the counting, the calculations, and the maths? Why do we keep doing it the hard way?”

“We started very, very badly again. It’s extremely detrimental for a country with over 200 million people. Every time the national team is playing, people leave their jobs, close their shops, and put everything aside.”

The former Enyimba star also acknowledged the waning trust from the Nigerian public, who have long been loyal supporters of the Super Eagles.

“Right now, a lot of people have given up on this team. A lot of people don’t believe in them again. Even if they eventually qualify for the World Cup, they’ll need to get to a great stage, maybe a semi-final, before people start believing again.”

The Super Eagles have managed just one win in six qualifying matches, placing them fourth in their group. To keep hope alive for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, Nigeria must win all four remaining games, including crucial fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa in September.