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Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami has expressed confidence that the Super Eagles have what it takes to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the upcoming play-offs, following their emphatic 4-0 victory over Benin Republic on Tuesday.
Speaking after the game in Uyo, the former Green Eagles winger commended the team’s commanding performance, noting that the result reflected their determination to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
“We did very well. I’m happy with the boys. We deserved to win, and we won convincingly. Now, we have a real opportunity to qualify,” Odegbami said.
“I think we have a very good chance to make it through these play-offs and reach the World Cup.”
The Super Eagles’ victory was powered by a hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a stoppage-time goal from Frank Onyeka, securing Nigeria’s place in the CAF play-offs as one of the four best second-placed teams with 15 points and a +7 goal difference.
The result capped off a turbulent qualifying campaign for the three-time African champions, who had risked missing consecutive World Cup appearances for the first time since their debut in 1994.
Odegbami, a member of Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON-winning squad and a representative at the 1976 Olympic Games, said he believes the current generation of players possesses the quality and resilience needed to overcome the final qualification hurdle.
The Super Eagles will now await the CAF play-off draw, where they will face another second-placed team over two legs for a spot at the expanded 48-team World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.