Former Super Eagles captain Sylvanus Okpala has raised alarms over the consequences of Nigeria failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging urgent action.
Sylvanus Okpala, a former Super Eagles captain, warned that Nigeria risks significant setbacks if the national team fails to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Speaking to The Guardian on August 26, 2025, Okpala highlighted the impact on tourism and sponsorships, recalling Nigeria’s absence from the 2022 Qatar World Cup due to a playoff loss to Ghana. With only one win in six qualifiers, Nigeria’s campaign remains precarious.
Okpala, part of the 2013 AFCON-winning coaching staff, criticized the Nigeria Football Federation’s rejection of his offer to assist coach Eric Chelle without salary, emphasizing the need for strategic adjustments. He remains optimistic about qualification but stressed that Nigeria’s fate depends on upcoming matches. The expanded 48-team format offers hope, but Okpala urged unity to avoid another costly miss.
The warning has sparked concerns about Nigeria’s football ecosystem, with some supporting Okpala’s call for collaboration, while others demand broader reforms. The stakes, testing the NFF’s leadership, underscore football’s role in Nigeria’s global image. As the Super Eagles fight for a spot, Okpala’s plea rallies support for a critical turnaround.