“Discipline, Unity, No Showmanship”: Okoku Warns Super Eagles Ahead of 2026 World Cup Play-Off Battle
By: Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
Former Flying Eagles midfielder Paul Okoku has charged the Super Eagles to exhibit utmost discipline, composure and unity if they want to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the playoffs.
Nigeria qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs after finishing as one of the four best second-placed teams in the African qualifiers. Despite ending Group C behind South Africa, the Super Eagles clinched their spot thanks to a commanding 4-0 victory over Benin Republic.
The win allowed Nigeria to edge Benin into second place on goal difference (+7) , sealing their place in the next phase of qualification. The result marks a significant turnaround for the team, keeping their World Cup hopes alive.
Okoku, in an exclusive interview with JerseyNumber12.com, explained that the path to the USA, Mexico, and Canada will not be easy, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) play-offs will definitely test the Super Eagles’ mental strength before they face teams from other continents.
“With the right mindset, leadership from the coach, Eric Chelle and players like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and captain Troost Ekong maintaining their current form and confidence, Nigeria, has every reason to believe that the team will qualify for the 2026 Mundial.”, he said.
The former Leventis United FC of Ibadan player stressed that the key to qualifying for the World Cup is for the team to play collectively against their opponents in Morocco and Mexico. He added that the Super Eagles must avoid showmanship and complacency, and instead focus on their game plan and teamwork.
“As Aristotle once said,”The whole is greater than the sum of the parts” That’s the spirit the Super Eagles must embrace,” he added.
Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo are the countries that have qualified for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) play-offs scheduled to take place in Morocco between November 13 and 16. Nigeria will face Gabon in the first semi-final, while Cameroon will battle DR Congo in the second semi-final.
The winner of the CAF play-offs will advance to the intercontinental stage of the competition, set for March 2026 in Mexico.
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