By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
Former Nigeria international midfielder Duke Udi has declared that the Super Eagles should have set their sights on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as their ultimate priority, rather than focusing solely on the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco later this month.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with JerseyNumber12 on Sunday, Udi described Nigeria’s participation in the AFCON as a formality, given the country’s rich history in the competition.
“Nigeria has already stamped its name in AFCON history,” Udi said. “I think we should be dreaming of consistent participation in the World Cup because that is the pinnacle of the game. My ultimate goal is the World Cup, where we can showcase our talents to the world.”
The Super Eagles have featured in eight AFCON finals, winning three times (1980, 1994, 2013) and finishing as runners-up on five occasions (1984, 1988, 1990, 2000, 2023), confirming their place as one of Africa’s most consistent football powers. However the team has failed to qualified for the World Cup finals in two successive editions.
The former Grasshopper Club of Zurich playmaker also cautioned the team and coaching staff not to underestimate the competition in Morocco.
“It is not going to be easy for the Super Eagles to win the AFCON in Morocco because African football is very difficult,” he warned. “You don’t win matches on paper. You have to work hard and plan ahead to succeed.”
Udi also weighed in on the recurring issues of unpaid match bonuses and allowances, urging the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to resolve them once and for all.
“The NFF must do the right thing. Players shouldn’t be distracted by financial disputes. Solving these issues permanently is key to progress,” he stressed.
Nigeria is drawn in Group C of the 2026 AFCON alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, with the tournament set to kick off later this month in Morocco.