“Journey will end well” – Two-cap Super Eagles star vows struggling Nigeria will qualify for 2026 World Cup

Super Eagles defender Benjamin Tanimu is convinced that Nigeria will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup slated to be cohosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Soccernet.ng reports.

Tanimu made his second appearance for the Nigeria national team on Friday night during a hard-fought 1-1 draw with visiting South Africa in Uyo.

The Tanzania-based centre-back impressed as a right full-back and made a crucial goalmouth clearance to stop the Bafana Bafana from scoring a second goal after Themba Zwane had given them an early lead.

Hatayspor midfielder Dele Bashiru equalised for the Super Eagles at the start of the second half but Nigeria failed to find a winner and had to settle for a draw.

With the draw, Nigeria boast only three points from three qualifying matches and sit behind Lesotho, Rwanda, Benin, and South Africa in Group C.

There are growing concerns that the Super Eagles may not qualify for the next Mundial after missing out on the last edition in Qatar two years ago.

However, former Bendel Insurance star Tanimu, who was disappointed with the result against the Bafana Bafana, believes Nigeria will exit this struggling period soon and finish the race with the World Cup ticket secured.

 

Writing on his X (formerly Twitter) page, the youngster said: “I feel sad over the result as that’s not how we wanted it.

“But trust me, the journey will end well!

Nigeria meet the Benin Republic, coached by former Super Eagles gaffer Gernot Rohr on Monday, looking for their first win in seven World Cup qualifiers.

Incredibly, the Super Eagles have drawn each of their last six qualifiers, the longest winless run the national team has managed since the country gained independence in 1960.