Nigeria’s ambition to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is driven by a sense of urgency, according to star forward Victor Osimhen.
The Super Eagles have yet to secure a victory in their Group C campaign, having drawn three of their first four matches—a situation made worse by Osimhen’s absence due to injury.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, the 26-year-old described it as a “heartbreaking disappointment,” as their fierce rivals, Ghana, edged them out in a playoff to claim a spot in Qatar.
“It’s every footballer’s dream to play at the World Cup, and given our current situation in the group, I’m desperate, just like my teammates, to make it to the 2026 tournament,” Osimhen told BBC Sport Africa.
“The disappointment in 2022 was huge, and we can’t afford to let it happen again—neither for the country nor for our generation. I don’t want to end my career with the regret of never having played at the World Cup.”
With crucial fixtures looming, Nigeria faces mounting pressure to turn their fortunes around and avoid missing out on a second consecutive World Cup appearance.
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