UEFA-licensed journalist Oma Akatugba has expressed disappointment over the Super Eagles’ performance in their 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Speaking in an interview with South Africa’s Metro Radio, Akatugba opined that the current squad lacks the character needed to compete at the highest level.

The draw significantly dented Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Despite Victor Osimhen’s 74th-minute goal from an Ola Aina cross, the Super Eagles failed to hold onto their lead. Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa equalized in stoppage time after ghosting past William Troost-Ekong and slotting the ball past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Reacting to the result, Akatugba described the draw as a painful setback, stating that the team’s performance suggests little hope for improvement.

“The team we saw against Zimbabwe doesn’t look like it will get better by September. So, it’s more likely that things won’t improve rather than the other way around. It’s a very hopeless situation. At this point, you can only hope, not expect,” he said.

He further lamented the team’s inability to secure a much-needed victory.

“I say we lost because it’s a case of dropping two points rather than gaining one. At some point, we were second in the group, but ten minutes later, we had dropped to fourth. That’s why it was so painful. When you need a win at all costs and end up drawing, it’s not a good sign for a Nigerian team.”

Akatugba also criticized the squad’s lack of resilience, stating that it does not reflect the traditional “never-say-die” spirit of Nigerian football.

“This current team doesn’t display the true characteristics of a Nigerian side, and that’s what makes it so frustrating. If you look at our last nine games, the results have been disastrous. With the quality of players we have, we should be performing much better—not struggling against teams like Rwanda, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. No disrespect to them, but this is unacceptable. South Africa is a strong team, so a tough match against them is understandable. But failing to beat Zimbabwe at all? How do you explain that?”

The Super Eagles now face an uphill battle to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with pressure mounting on the team and its coaching staff.



NBA