Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo has urged Nigerians not to give up hope on the national team’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite their current precarious position in the qualifiers.
Speaking on the sidelines of the William Troost-Ekong Charity Match held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, Yobo stressed that the race is far from over and encouraged fans to continue supporting the team.
Nigeria currently sits fourth in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifiers, with just seven points from six matches—six points adrift of group leaders South Africa, who top the standings with 13 points. With only four games remaining, the Super Eagles must win all their fixtures to stand a realistic chance of securing a ticket to the tournament scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“It’s a tough space, but there’s still a possibility,” Yobo said. “We’ve been here before. What this team needs is to grind out results. They must stay united, stay focused, and above all, understand that it’s not about playing beautiful football now—it’s about getting the results.”
The former Everton defender emphasized the importance of consistency and mental strength, noting that any further slip-up could doom Nigeria’s qualification hopes. “If we drop any more points in the group, then we’re out of the race,” he warned.
Yobo, who also served as an assistant coach to the Super Eagles under former manager Gernot Rohr, expressed confidence in the current squad. “I believe in this group of players. I’ve worked with them closely and I know what they are capable of. Sometimes it takes tough situations like this to wake a team up. I hope they rise to the occasion.”
Looking ahead, Nigeria is scheduled to face Rwanda at home and South Africa away in September. The final two qualifiers will be played in October, with an away fixture against Lesotho and a home clash against Benin Republic.
On his coaching future, Yobo hinted at uncertainty, revealing that while he has tested the waters, he’s not fully sold on the idea of returning to the dugout just yet.
“I’ve tried coaching but the experience wasn’t entirely encouraging,” he admitted. “I’ve been a leader and captain during my playing days, but coaching hasn’t been enticing enough for me to commit fully. The system needs to do more to attract former players back into the game in that capacity.”
Reflecting on his club career, Yobo described his time at English Premier League side Everton as a defining chapter in his life.
“I spent nine amazing years at Goodison Park. It’s a place that holds so many memories for me—from the changing room to the pitch. I was emotional when I got the invite to attend the launch of their new stadium, even though I couldn’t make it. Football is evolving, and I’m happy Everton is moving to a bigger and better facility.”
Despite his current distance from the coaching scene, Yobo remains a respected voice in Nigerian football, and his words carry weight as the Super Eagles prepare for a make-or-break phase in their World Cup qualifying journey.
