Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole has expressed confidence that Nigeria will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite their precarious situation at the moment, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria are in danger of missing out on a second consecutive FIFA World Cup as they sit fifth in group c of the qualifiers after picking up just three points from their first four games. They are currently four points behind Rwanda, who top the group with seven points.
However, the Super Eagles can still salvage something as they have six games left in the qualifying series.
Next up for Nigeria is a game against Rwanda at the Stade Amahoro Stadium on Friday. And ahead of the fixture, coach Eric Chelle called up 23 players, one of which is Remo Stars shot-stopper Bankole.
The 22-year-old shot-stopper believes his presence in the Super Eagles squad could be the start of something good for the team.
“Getting the call-up at this point is something amazing for me, and I know it's a big start ahead of us because everybody expects Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup, but I know impossible is nothing and with God on our side, I know it is going to be possible,” Bankole said, per NFF TV.
What can Kayode Bankole do to help Nigeria?
Kayode Bankole is one of the surprise additions to the Super Eagles squad, as he has not seen a lot of game time this season.
Except he impresses in training, he is the third-choice goalkeeper in Nigeria's squad after Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie. Unless something terrible happens, he might not get a chance to man the sticks for Nigeria.
Nonetheless, nothing beats a good support cast. His positivity could boost the team's morale heading into the next set of games.
