Seyi Olofinjana, former Super Eagles midfield general, has stated that Nigeria’s efforts in the race to the 2026 FIFA world cup have not been sufficient.
The former Wolverhampton Wondered told Sport Resonance that the three-time African champions performances in the qualifiers have been below par, stressing they have not done enough to deserve a better position in their group table.
He said regardless of his emotional sentiments and the passion he has for Nigeria to be at every world cup, he believes Nigeria’s chances of qualification are slim asserting that the right must be earned and not by wishful thinking.
“With what we have done so far, do we deserve to be above where we are at the moment? I don’t think so and that is not just on the part of the players but everyone involved.” Olofinjana told Sport Resonance.
”It’s a tough one, even though I am a Nigerian and very passionate and want Nigeria to go to every world cup, but world cup is not a right, you have to earn the right to be at the World Cup.”
Olofinjana who made his debut for the Nigeria national team in June 2000, in a 3–2 win over Malawi, won 48 caps for the Super Eagles, spanning over 11 years.
He is currently the head of scouting for Premier League club, Chelsea, tasked with the responsibility of identifying talents from Africa.
