Glasgow Rangers defender Leon Balogun remains hopeful that Nigeria can triumph at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite their current struggles in the qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports.
Super Eagles have already booked their place at the next AFCON, set to be hosted in Morocco, and will aim to go one step further after finishing as runners-up in the last edition.
However, their World Cup qualification campaign has been far from smooth.
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Nigeria are currently in a precarious position in Group C, sitting in fifth place with just three points from four games.
Work begins
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 4, 2025
Éric Chelle’s first two games as Super Eagles head coach will be the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers—Rwanda away and Zimbabwe at home in March, let’s go super eagles !!! pic.twitter.com/hNAHDTKLvn
The Super Eagles are four points behind joint leaders Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin, and one point adrift of Lesotho.
After failing to win any of their first four qualifiers—drawing three and losing to Benin—Nigeria’s chances of securing a spot in the global tournament appear slim.
To revive their qualification hopes, the Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Eric Chelle, the former Mali head coach, who is targeting back-to-back wins against Rwanda and Zimbabwe when the qualifiers resume in March.
What Balogun said of Super Eagles' AFCON and World Cup hopes
Balogun, a key figure in Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup and their third-place finish at the 2019 AFCON, believes success is still possible.
We made it – AFCON 2019! SA really tried, but we’re The Supereagles I’m really happy & proud to be part of this team, that brings joy to so many Nigerians by “just chasing a ball”. Not just back home but all over the world! Thanks for the amazing support, love always LB pic.twitter.com/XAZ3h3bM2M
— Leon Aderemi Balogun (@LeonBalogun) November 17, 2018
However, he insists that the Super Eagles must improve in three critical areas to achieve their goals.
Having ambition, confidence, and a clear tactical plan are the key ingredients Balogun believes Nigeria must embrace to make an impact in both AFCON and World Cup qualification.
“The AFCON, well, it's a tournament,” Balogun told Flashscore. “You want to win. Every team that comes there, comes there with ambition.”
“So, yes, you have to take it for what it is. If they want to be the champions of Africa, (Nigeria) probably have a point to prove after the last AFCON.”
“So, you have to go there with a lot of ambition, a lot of confidence, but also with a clear plan.”
“And this clear plan will certainly also be necessary for the World Cup qualifiers, because we are in a precarious situation where we cannot afford to lose points.”
“Therefore, maximum concentration and the highest level of performance are required.”
READ MORE: Former Nigeria GK urges Eric Chelle to reignite Super Eagles’ fighting spirit ahead of Rwanda clash
Nigeria's quest for a fourth African title will see them face former champions Tunisia, as well as Uganda and Tanzania, in Group C following January’s CAF draw.
Counting down till the boys reunite! #soarsupereagles #fifaworldcupqualifiers pic.twitter.com/IOn43Hqmsu
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 11, 2025
Meanwhile, in the World Cup qualifiers, only the group winners will secure an automatic place at the tournament. With six games left, the Super Eagles likely need to win all their remaining fixtures while relying on other results to go their way.
Despite the daunting task ahead, new boss Eric Chelle remains confident he can steer Nigeria to success.
The French-Malian tactician, who has managed clubs such as Athlético Marseille, Martigues, and Boulogne-sur-Mer, as well as the Mali national team, believes his experience will be key in turning things around for the Super Eagles.
