Tag: Super Eagles

The Super  Eagles were led  to the USA FIFA World Cup  as African Champions by  Dutch coach by Clemens Westerhof and after qualifying from a group which had Bulgaria, Greece and Argentina, they went down   in  nail-biting way against a star-studded Italy in the second round. But where are the members of that glorious team now? TUNDE LIADI reports…

Peter Rufai: Rufai  was goal in all the four games the Eagles played at the World Cup in 1994 and was captain  on the field  except in the  final Group D match against Greece  where  Stephen Keshi held  forth. The then Super Eagles safest hands would later turned out across two World Cup editions as he was also at France 98 Finals . He was in the team  that won the AFCON in 1994. He initially swapped active football with sports analyses with the Brila Sports Media but has since gone into scouting and talent discovery of players.

Alloysius Agu: Agu was one of the Super Eagles best goalkeepers in the ’90s and was part of the World Cup ’94 contingent before retirement. Although he was in the shadow of Rufai at the 1994 World Cup as he was on the bench throughout. He later served as the senior national team’s goalkeeper trainer for over a decade before he was replaced by Olatunji Baruwa recently. He is a Pastor and the founder of Christ Divine Church of God.

Augustine Eguavoen: Won the 1994 AFCON and featured at the World Cup in 1994. He committed the penalty kick that led to the Italy’s  winning goal against the Eagles in the extra time. He put up a solid performance in the US and was a pillar of sort in the defence. The now 58-year-old played four games across two World Cup finals. He handled some NPFL teams as well as the national team since calling time on professional football. He is currently the Technical Department head of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Michael Emenalo: He played the Eagles last three games in the ’94 World Cup with two yellow cards. He was called on to play following the injury to regular starter in the left back, Ben Iroha in the opening game against  Bulgaria.  On retirement, he has become synonymous with management most notably at Chelsea where he served as an assistant manager, technical director and also the head of the scouting department. The-58 year-old was also with AS Monaco as a director before his recent switch to Saudi Arabia where he is the Pro League Sports Director.

Ben Iroha: One of the sturdy defenders of the Westerhof era, the 1994 Nations Cup winner and also featured at the 1994 World Cup but a groin injury he copped in the first game with Bulgaria cut his World Cup experience short. He moved into full time football management shortly after retirement and has had stints with U.S-based club, FC Dallas as well as NPFL side, Dolphins FC and Heartland FC.

Chidi Nwanu: Won over 20 caps for the national team during his playing days and four of them were at the 1994 World Cup. He was solid in the defence in the tournament held in the United States. The 57 year old went into full ministration after his retirement in 1998 and he is based in Belgium. He was in Milan, Italy last year for the Vineyard Evangelical Pentecostal Church Programme as a guest speaker on the occasion of the church’s Men’s Day.

Uche Okechukwu: Uche was solid in defence for the Super Eagles at USA 94 World Cup. He forged an impregnable alliance with Chidi Nwanu in the Central defence. He featured in all Eagles games in the US and added three more games in France four years later. The 56 year old won the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia. He initially resided in Turkey having obtained citizenship during his playing days there but he has since returned home to set up his academy in Aba. He is currently in the Management Board of Enyimba FC.

Mutiu Adepoju: Adepoju was in all Eagles games at the 1994 World Cup in the US. He played in additional two World Cup finals but didn’t get to secure any minute at Japan/Korea World Cup with Adegboye Onigbinde in the Eagles saddle. He got two yellow cards at the World Cup finals with a memorable goal against Spain at France 98, his only World Cup goal. He had a managerial stint with NPFL side, Shooting Stars as General Manager but the 53- year-old is currently La Liga Ambassador in Nigeria.

Efan Ekoku: Born Efangwu Goziem Ekoku, the attacker was only part of the Eagles but didn’t feature in any game at USA 94. He later made 20 appearances for the team, featuring at the 1994 AFCON, US ’94 World Cup and the 1995 FIFA Confederations Cup in Saudi Arabia. He has long swapped playing for commentary and currently works with the English Premier League Productions.

Read Also: Gov. Mbah congratulates Rangers for winning NPFL title

Emeka Ezeugo: Another bit  part member of the Eagles at USA 94 and fondly nicknamed ‘ The Destroyer’. He has since featured more prominently with management, numbering all of Deportivo Municipal, Churchill Brothers SC, City Tech, BMCC Athletics and NPFL side, Abia Warriors amongst the list of his former employers.

Austine Jay Jay Okocha: Okocha was part of the victorious AFCON ’94 team and thereafter played three games at the USA 94 World Cup. His mesmerizing skills and ball joggling made him fans delight. and also featured in three World Cup finals in total with nine games under his belt. He was an integral member of the Olympics Atlanta ’96 gold squad before picking up the BBC African Footballer of the Year accolades twice as well as the Golden Boot in AFCON 2004. Since retirement, he has thrived on  football punditry.

Sunday Oliseh: Fondly remembered for that cracker against Spain in 1998 but he was also at the Eagles debut appearance at the World Cup in the US. He played four games in 1994 and added four more four years later. He was booked twice in 1994. Oliseh has tried hands on management since calling time as a professional footballer, including a short stint with the senior national team. The 49-year-old also cut ties with Dutch side Fortuna Sittard and German club, SV 19 Straelen. He left the latter after the team suffered five losses in five games. Was recently a member of the FIFA Technical Study Group at Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Daniel Amokachi: Nicknamed the ‘Bull’ due to his sheer strength and physique, Amokachi achieved immortality  during his time with the national team scoring two goals at the USA 94 World Cup. One each against Bulgaria and Greece. He played in all the four Eagles games in the US before he was injured against Italy. Amokachi was in the Eagles squad to France 98 World Cup too but injury restricted him to just an appearance there. The 51 year old was a member of the 1996 Olympic Games gold medal in Atlanta Georgia, United States. He recently turned down his position as Super Eagles Assistant Coach but has held many positions including serving as Football Ambassador under former President, Muhammadu Buhari and also in the current Nigeria Premier Football League board.

Emmanuel Amuneke: Amuneke was part of the Super Eagles team that won the AFCON in 1994. He put in a magnificent performance at the USA 94 World Cup where he scored twice against Bulgaria and Italy. His performance in the US 94 World Cup where he played in all Eagles four games and the AFCON held in Tunisia early same year earned him the African Footballer of the Year in 1994. Upon his retirement he has coached Ocean Boys, Tanzanian national team, Misr Lei Makkasa and was also Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles. Before then, he led the Golden Eaglets to the Under 17 FIFA World Cup in 2015 in Chile and presently consulted  for Heartland FC.

Finidi George: Featured in two World Cup editions while winning the 1994 AFCON. He scored a television goal against Greece with a memorable goal celebration thereafter at the USA 94 World Cup. He played a total of eight World Cup games for Nigeria. The 53-year-old served as a football director at former club, Real Betis and also a youth team coach at the club. He became Enyimba head coach in September 2021 and led them to the league title last year. He resigned from the position to take over as Super Eagles coach in April this year after he served as Jose Peseiro Assistant Coach for close to two years. He controversially  resigned from the same position a few days ago.

Victor Ikpeba: Ikpeba was just a squad member of the Super Eagles at USA 94 World Cup before he made his mark four years later in France with a goal and three games. He won the AFCON in 1994 as well as an Olympic Gold medalist in 1996, Ikpeba had quite a well decorated career with the national team. Retired in 2007 and has since delved into football punditry.

Samson Siasia: It was Siasia long range volley that shot the Eagles ahead against Argentina at USA 94, though Nigeria later lost the game 2-1. He played three games in that World Cup and since hanging up his boots, he notably formed the SiaOne Academy in Abuja as well took up managerial position with the country’s national teams across certain spells before the ban from FIFA for alleged betting violation.

Memoriam: those who  have gone

Uche Okafor: Late Okafor won the 1994 AFCON tournament and he was also part of the squad in 1994 World Cup where he didn’t taste any action. He later bagged his debut appearance at the World Cup in France four years later.  Worked as a football pundit with ESPN prior to his death in 2011. He was buried in his home town at Ubomiri in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State.

Rashidi Yekini: A professional career which spanned more than two decades and his record of 37 goals still stand Yekini out today as the most effective marksman the country has ever had. Won the African Footballer of the Year  in 1993 and the AFCON in 94 where he top scored before sadly passing away in 2012, aged 48.

Thompson Oliha: Another late member of this crop, Oliha made 31 appearances for the Super Eagles and retired aged just 27, no thanks to a serious injury. On 30 June 2013, the 44-year old was confirmed dead after struggling with bouts of malaria.

Wilfred Agbonavbare: Turned out in the 1994 World Cup  and AFCON tournaments but only  behind Peter Rufai in both tournaments. He was used sparingly in the qualifiers and was unable to get to his potentials. Wilfred who was termed Agbonibasket by Nigeria’s fans later worked as a delivery man and goalkeeper coach with former club side, Rayo Vallecano before of death in 2015 aged 48 due to cancer.

Stephen Keshi: Probably the most celebrated  player of his generation , Big Boss as  Keshi was widely revered, was not denied the chance to be part of Nigeria’s first World Cup squad. He was also honoured with was largely a ‘ceremonial’ captain’s armband for the USA 94 tournament. One of the few players on the continent  to have won the AFCON both as a player and a coach with the Super  Eagles . He also managed the Togolese and Malian national teams. Sadly, Keshi passed on in 2016 after a cardiac arrest.

The Super Eagles have dropped eight places to 38th in the world after they again failed to win in 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

According to the latest FIFA rankings released  by the  world soccer ruling body, Nigeria slid from 30th to 38th spot in the global ratings and they are now fifth in Africa.

The drop on the global stage also reflected on the continental stage as the Nigerian team also dropped from the 3rd position to the 5th behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Cote d ‘Ivoire.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Eagles played a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Uyo, and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic in Abidjan, Cote d`Ivoire.

Read Also: Arsenal ditches Osimhen for Girona’s Dovbyk as NFF denies banning Napoli strike

On the global scene, no fewer than 187 national team bouts have been contested since the last ranking in April, and the throng of changes in the latest standings comes as no surprise.

The top three, however, remain unshakeable. Argentina (1st) retains their place at the summit, with France (2nd) and Belgium (3rd) hot on their heels.

But there is movement behind them, as Brazil (4^th , up 1) and England (5th, down 1) swap places.

Portugal (6^th ), the Netherlands (7^th ) and Spain (8^th ) consolidated  their spots in the top 10, while  Croatia (9^th , up 1) overtook Italy (10^th , down 1), which nonetheless held onto a place among the leading pack.

Dribbling wizard  Chidera Ejuke said his priority  now  is to  make a return to the Super Eagles  after  making a dream move to the La Liga side, Sevilla FC.

The 26-year-old made history on Monday as the first Nigerian player to sign  for  Sevilla FC as well as  is the first  player to be signed  by the Spanish  outfit  for  the 2024/25 season , arriving on a free transfer from CSKA Moscow.

 He  spent last season on loan at Royal Antwerp where  he was credited  with five goals and six assists in the 2023/24 season.

Ejuke who began his adventure in Europe in 2027 with Valerenga in Norway, said  the move to Sevilla is an opportunity to make a return to the Super Eagles.

 “It is special to be the first Nigerian here. I think I feel good being part of this team and I am looking forward to seeing what I can contribute to the team.” he  told the club’s official website in his maiden official interview . “I also hope to be able to back with Nigeria, because obviously it’s always nice to represent your country, so I hope it’s time to do it again and I’m also very excited.”

Read Also: Man City duo De Bruyne and Doku in Belgium squad

Ejuke made his debut for the Nigerian national team in 2020 after representing the Super Eagles at various youth levels, and has since earned eight caps during qualifying campaigns for the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking on the switch to Sevilla, Ejuke said he was happy with the move, adding he can’t wait to contribute his quota to the success of the team.

 He said: “I’m really happy to be a part of this family and I’m looking forward to achieving many great things here. I’m really happy and I’m excited to be here.

“To have an interest from a club like this, it’s massive. When my agent told me that the club was interested I was very excited about what was to come and in terms of the communication it has been easy. I’m happy with how everything went and now I’m just looking forward to it.”

Foremost football analyst, Barrister Godwin Dudu-Orumen , along with other stakeholders in Nigerian football have accuse both the leadership of the  Ministry of Sports Development and Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) over the sorry  state of the Super Eagles in the race towards  the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Languishing in Group C of  with three points  from their opening four matches,the Super Eagles are fifth  on the six-team table with three points while Rwanda, South Africa and Benin have seven points respectively and Zimbabwe two points.

As Nigerians agonise over the fate of the Eagles, Super Eagles  coach Finidi George  resigned on Saturday amid social media rant  by striker Victor Osimhen much to the chagrin of concerned experts as the NFF  set to hire a foreign coach. 

Barrister Dudu-Orumen, said Nigerian  football  is in turmoil, adding the NFF has displayed nothing but crass incompetence. 

Read Also: U.S., France, others differ over ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders

“The NFF has displayed high level of incompetence,” Dudu-Orumen  said matter-of-factly.

“ Football is more than the 90 minutes we see on the pitch because so much planning and preparation must go into it.

 “It is funny that the ministry and the federation are putting the blame on Finidi and the technical committee but we all know the NFF takes all the decisions. 

“The situation we find ourselves could have been averted if the NFF had acted fast in employing a coach without sentiments.

 “The foreign coach decision should have been taken much earlier.”

A club owner who pleaded anonymity questioned the commitment of the players even as he lampooned the NFF for ‘joking’ with Nigerian football, adding the current board is still under the control of a powerful former boss of the NFF.     

 “The NFF is playing politics with our football and the soccer loving populace are suffering for it after investing their time and emotions. It is a shame. I can confirm to you that the technical committee already submitted a proposal in March tipping the same coach they are trying to engage now,” he said.

Meanwhile , a former Nigerian International who prefers anonymity argued that the coach  George, was ‘programmed’ to fail without obvious support  from both the Ministry of Sports Development and NFF. 

 “We all saw the situation. The NFF waited for over three months before the decision on Finidi. The body and the ministry did not offer enough support in terms of preparation and motivation of the players,” he added. 

•I have lost respect for him, says Osimhen

Finidi George has resigned as the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles following the announcement to appoint a foreign technical adviser by the Nigeria Football Federation.

This decision to hire a foreign technical adviser came amidst dissatisfaction with the team’s recent performances, including a crucial defeat to Benin Republic that left the Super Eagles struggling in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Finidi, who was unveiled as the head coach earlier this year, had signed a one-year contract with the NFF, with the possibility of extension based on performance in the African Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.

His tenure included leading Nigeria in two international friendlies and working as an assistant coach under the previous head coach, Jose Peseiro.

The NFF’s move to hire a foreign technical adviser was seen as a step to revitalise the team’s prospects after a series of disappointing results.

This reported exit might be inseparable from the move made by the NFF.

Meanwhile, an official announcement has yet to be made by the NFF – website and social media handles.

However, ex-Super Eagles media officer, Toyin Ibitoye in a post on X.com on Saturday shared the same.

He wrote, “News just in Finidi George #FinidiGeorge_FG has resigned from his #NGSuperEagles manager position.”

Read Also: Foundation greets Nigerians at Sallah

Similarly, Sport photojournalist, #poojamedia on his X account said, “Finidi George RESIGNED after being stylishly demoted with the arrival of a foreign technical adviser.”

Finidi George, born in 1971 in Nigeria, is a former professional footballer renowned for his time at Ajax Amsterdam, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 1995.

A skillful winger, he also played a crucial role for the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, during the 1990s, participating in two FIFA World Cups and winning the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.

After retiring in 2004, he has remained active in football, engaging in coaching and sports administration roles.

I have lost respect for Finidi, says Osimhen

Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, has lashed out at coach Finidi George, stating that he has lost respect for him, over some comments on his attitude towards the national team.

Finidi, who is said to have also resigned as the head coach of the Super Eagles on Saturday, was quoted to have said he can’t beg Osimhen to play for the national team after the player withdrew from their last two 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to injury.

The striker was said to have been ruled out by a four-week injury and was replaced by Enugu Rangers defender, Kenneth Igboke.

But following the Super Eagles wobbling performances against South Africa and Benin Republic, the narrative of Osimhen’s absence changed as an online medium (not The PUNCH) reported that Finidi used Osimhen’s absence as a poser for the players’ bad attitude towards the national team when he and the Nigeria Football Federation chiefs met with the Sports Minister, John Enoh, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Osimhen was apparently infuriated by the comments and, in a live Instagram video on Saturday opened up on the circumstances that led to his withdrawal from the Super Eagles last two World Cup qualifiers, adding that Finidi was adequately briefed by him and his doctor.

“I knew things like these would happen and that’s why I have the videos and screenshots of when I called Finidi while I was with the doctor in Germany,” Osimhen said.

 “I got injured in our (Napoli’s) last game against Lecce and I went to the MRI scan. And I called Finidi there for him to listen to the doctor too.

“I called him (Finidi) and asked him to allow me to come to the camp to be with the boys and I spoke to some of my teammates too but he said I have to be with my family.

“I’m not addressing anything, everybody knows I play my heart out whenever I’m playing for the club or national team. I’ll share the screenshot and videos of my conversation with Finidi for the sake of those believing what Finidi said.

“I’ve lost respect for that man because before I disrespect anybody, I always respect them,” the player added

In Finidi’s first game in charge of the Super Eagles, Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, last Friday and a 2-1 defeat against Benin Republic in Abidjan compounded the Super Eagles fate in Group C of the qualifying series, leaving them with just three points after four games.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has resolved to hire an expatriate Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the next few weeks  in order  to revive the country’s disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign .

Nigeria sit fifth in the Group C of the World Cup campaign with three points from four games and are four points adrift of table topper, Rwanda.

The NFF Executive Committee rose from an emergency meeting held in Abuja  on Wednesday  with the  resolve to hire a more capable hand  ahead of current head coach, Finidi George to ensure the country does not miss out on two consecutive World Cup editions having failed to qualify for the 2022 edition held in Qatar.

The NFF said in the communique made available to NationSport that it apologized to Nigerians for the Eagles woeful start to the World Cup Qualifiers and that necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the country bounces back when the qualifiers resume again in March next year.

Read Also: Democracy Day: Better days ahead, APC assures Nigerians

Though silent on the  fate of coach Finidi, it’s apparent that his  it’s all over (Ces’t fini as they say in the french language) for the embattled for Enyimba FC Coach  should the NFF  finally hire a foreign technical adviser.

“The Executive Committee wholeheartedly apologized to Nigerians for the dismal output and subsequent very poor returns of the Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles, in four out of 10 matches in the ongoing qualification series for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, and pledged to work assiduously and put necessary measures in place to ensure a better-prepared squad ahead of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers in September this year and the resumption of the World Cup qualifiers in March 2025,” the communique read.

“Furthermore, the Executive Committee resolved to employ an expatriate Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the coming weeks, ahead of the AFCON qualifiers and the remaining FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

“The Committee resolved to beef up the NFF Technical Department with more qualitative hands. Equally, the Technical and Development Sub-Committee will be re-jigged with immediate effect.”

The Super Eagles will face Rwandans’ Wasps on March 19^th  in Kigali before the home tie with the Warriors of Zimbabwe a few days later.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed displeasure at the poor attitude of some Super Eagles players to national assignment and has resolved to scout for outstanding Nigeria-eligible players in the Diaspora to beef up the team.

Though  it  regretted  the challenges posed by the nationwide industrial action before the Matchdays 3 and 4 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, the NFF noted that some members of the Eagles displayed flagrant nonchalant attitude towards the games  against south Africa and Rwanda which affected the team’s general outputs in both games.

“Notwithstanding the challenges that attended the team’s preparations for the Day 3 and Day 4 games of the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, owing to a 38-hour nationwide industrial action, the Board expressed displeasure with the poor attitude of some of the players to the National Assignment, and unanimously decided in favour of a more robust scouting programme of outstanding Nigeria-eligible players from across the four corners of the universe, who can add tremendous value to the nation’s flagship team,” the NFF Executive Committee resolved.

Read Also: Artificial Intelligence: Wither Africa’s Indigenous Intelligence?

Meanwhile,  the NFF has also agreed to hold a stakeholders forum to see to the amendments of the current NFF Statutes to align with that of the Federation International Football Association (FIFA)

“The Executive Committee also resolved that a Stakeholders’ Forum be convened in a few weeks’ time, to deliberate on amendments to the current NFF Statutes, in conjunction with world football-governing body, FIFA.”

In a related development, the NFF  has vowed to provide ‘robust support’ to the Federal Ministry of Sports Development to ensure that the Super Falcons have adequate preparations for this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament holding in France from July 24th through August 11th.

The Falcons staged a return to the Olympic Games for the first time in 16 years in April following a 1-0 aggregate victory over the Banyana Banyana of South Africa in the final Qualifying round and will face Spain, Japan and Brazil in a tough  Group C section.

“While appreciating the fact that preparation of teams involved in the Olympic Games fall squarely within the purview of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, the Executive Committee stated unequivocally that it will provide robust support, within the room allowed it, to the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, to adequately prepare for this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, taking place in France 24th July – 11th August,” the NFF stated.

Former Paris Saint Germain and Super Eagles defender, Godwin Okpara has expressed  displeasure over the nonchalant approach of  the current crops of players in the senior men’s national team, adding he was disappointed with  their lack of commitment over the last two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Republic of Benin.

He noted that the problem befuddling the Super Eagles was beyond Head Coach  Finidi  George and that if Nigeria failed to get players who are hungry to play for the country and replicate the performance they show at club level, the same thing would still recur even if another coach is asked to replace the former Enyimba coach.

“It was a very bad performance from us. It is like having Brazil to be in that kind of situation. It will make people to start asking questions. You can imagine the kind of group we are and we find it difficult to win matches,” Okpara said. “For me, I am highly disappointed on the players. They didn’t show enough commitment. They didn’t show enough enthusiasm that they want to win. We never show want to win our games in all the ones we played.

“Our problem is not coaching. No matter the calibre of coach you bring it may still result in the same situation. The problem is the players are not ready to play for Nigeria.”

Similarly another  former Nigeria international, Garba Lawal, has called out the Super Eagles to come and explain their shambolic performance against South Africa and Benin Republic.

He said the Eagles players have questions to answer with the loss against Benin Republic despite being in charge of the game and with the rhythm and momentum having scored first in the game.

Read Also: Eagles’ 2026  World Cup bid shaky after loss to Benin

“Nobody would be happy with the result. We lost the game we had in control. We scored first and thereafter lost the game. It is only the players that can explain to us why we lost,” Lawal said.

“We conceded two goals in quick succession. Football is about result and when you do not have that result you will be criticised. You have to take it like that. But he needs to brace up and strive to win the remaining games starting from the next Matchdays.”

The Eagles are currently  fifth in Group C with three points from four games but four points adrift of Rwanda, South Africa and Benin Republic who are all on seven points from the same number of games.

The Official Telecommunications Partner of the Super Eagles, MTN Nigeria has expressed its support for Nigeria’s Super Eagles as they continue in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Urging  the Super Eagles to  go for victory, Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria said: “The road to success is not always smooth. We are confident in the ability of the team to make Nigeria proud and qualify for the World Cup.”

The Super Eagles tackle the Cheetahs of Benin Republic  today at the Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan after a nail-biting 1-1 draw against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Godwin Akpabio Stadium last Friday. After three consecutive draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, the Super Eagles currently sits in fifth position leaving them two points behind table leader in Group C of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The team needs to win their next two matches to boost their confidence and increase their chances of qualifying.

Read Also: Ghana: Trafficked girls to return to Nigeria next week, says Dabiri-Erewa

“This is the time for all Nigerians to come together and support the team as they seek to win the next matches and ultimately qualify for the World Cup. This is Naija where football lives and our Super Eagles are fitting ambassadors, representing our love for the game. MTN will continue to support the team,” Okigbo added.

MTN Nigeria signed a three-year deal with the Nigerian Football Federation in 2021, making the company the Official Telecommunications Partner of all the football teams under the NFF. 

MTN’s support for the Super Eagles was particularly visible at the last African Cup of Nations where the Super Eagles lost in the finals to the host country, Ivory Coast. MTN Nigeria was the first company to host the Super Eagles at the Transcorp Hilton hotel in Abuja whilst assuring them of continued support.