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It is still so fresh in the mind of Nigerian fans, how Black stars of Ghana came to Nigeria and 'stole' 2022 world Cup ticket right from our nose with away goal victory. It was so painful and Jose Peseiro should guard against such repeating itself with a proper game plan on how to execute the 2026 world cup qualifier series.
This time, Nigeria is drawn in Group C with South Africa, Benin Republic, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Lesotho. Super Eagles will have to play guaranteed 10 matches and at the end, only one team will qualify for the world Cup from the group. There may be inter-continental play-offs if any of the teams in Group C fall among one of the best second place teams in Africa.
Nobody want Nigeria in the play-offs. If NFF and the Super Eagles coaching crew plan well, they can avoid it. During 2018 World cup qualifiers, Nigeria qualified for the Mundial with one game to spare and that really saved everyone the headache and blood pressure associated with play-offs.
Nigeria is kicking off their qualifier with a home match against Lesotho, on Thursday, November 16 at Godwill Akpabio stadium Akwa Ibom state. Then away match against Zimbabwe on Sunday, November 19. These two games are so crucial to Nigerians and to Jose Peseiro reputation, to repose confidence among all football stakeholders in this West African country
Peseiro have continued to eke out results and qualified Super Eagles for Afcon 2024, topping Group D with 14 points and only lost one match against Guinea Bissau, incidentally it was a home game. Yet, most pundits say Peseiro's coaching philosophy and style of play is in no way clear. The results were mere individual experiences of the calibre of players in the Nigeria national team. The teamwork and approach to games are largely lackluster, which may have led to their losing at home to Guinea Bissau.
Super Eagles cannot afford to take such chances with the world Cup qualifiers, because every game counts and any complaisance may just be to the team's peril. Peseiro should start building a team and be more systematic at inviting new players. We must invite our best performing players for each of the qualifier. A win at home and away, will give Super eagles a head start. Nigerian fans expect nothing less.
