Victor Osimhen has called on the Super Eagles to learn from past mistakes as they prepare for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The Galatasaray striker, who missed Nigeria’s previous qualification matches due to injury, believes that under new head coach Eric Chelle, the team has the tactical expertise and talent required to secure a spot at the global tournament.
Nigeria last qualified for the World Cup in 2018 but failed to reach the 2022 edition after losing to Ghana on away goals in the final playoff round.
Osimhen, eager to put that disappointment behind him, insists that only qualification will validate the current squad’s reputation as a “talented generation.”
The Super Eagles’ campaign has been far from ideal, with a winless start leaving them four points behind Group C leaders Rwanda.
Pressure is mounting ahead of these must-win fixtures, and the team’s struggles have been compounded by managerial instability.
Chelle, appointed in January, is the third coach to lead Nigeria in this qualification cycle.
“There’s a new manager now and we are desperately looking forward to the game against Rwanda to try to correct all the previous mistakes we’ve made and put ourselves in a better position to qualify,” Osimhen told BBC Africa.
“People say we have a talented generation, but we can only confirm this talent when we play in a World Cup like those before us.
“I was sad, like my teammates, to miss out on Qatar, and our fans didn’t even understand how much it affected us.
“This is why we must correct the previous mistakes by giving everything to our country, our new coach, and prove ourselves as being worthy.”
The 25-year-old striker also expressed confidence in Chelle’s leadership and emphasized the need for players to take responsibility.
“I’ve spoken to him (Chelle) a couple of times and clearly understand the objectives he has set for himself and for the players,” he added.
“It takes more than a coach to win football matches. Players must also be at their best, show commitment, and bear in mind that we can all fly together to reach our goal.”
Chelle will make history as the first non-Nigerian African to manage the Super Eagles, but faces a tough challenge in turning the team’s fortunes around.
With just one automatic qualification spot available in the group, anything less than six points from their clashes against Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 and Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25 could put Nigeria’s World Cup hopes in serious jeopardy.
As the Super Eagles gear up for these decisive encounters, all eyes will be on Osimhen and his teammates to deliver when it matters most.
