African football legend Didier Drogba has emphasized the importance of Nigeria reaching the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the US, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Super Eagles made a poor start to the qualifying campaign and ended up missing out on the automatic World Cup Group C ticket to South Africa. However, they have got a second chance via the playoffs following the massive win over Benin in the final group game last Tuesday.
Speaking in an interview with Sporty TV, Drogba stressed the importance of having the three-time African champions at the World Cup.
“It would be nice if they qualify because to have Nigeria in a World Cup is very important for Africa. But if they don’t qualify, the team that would be representing us, we will be proud to support.”
The former Chelsea star went on to back the current group of Super Eagles players in the face of recent criticisms for underwhelming performances.
“You know, if Nigeria had won the African Cup of Nations, you wouldn’t even be saying that. But that’s football, you know, it doesn’t mean that your team is not good. They were in the final. You were supporting them all through the campaign, and then all of a sudden they lose, then finish,” Drogba said.
“They’re so bad, they criticise them from right to left, and it’s always like that in Africa. You finish 2nd, it’s like Chelsea finishing 2nd in the Premier League. Like it doesn’t count.”
“That’s the level of expectation because you have won before. So I think the team is good. You have Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman — they won the last two Ballon d’Or. I mean, you have a team that can perform, but then you have opposition. You think the other team, because it’s Nigeria, they’re gonna sit like this?” the Chelsea legend concluded.
In the CAF World Cup playoffs, Eric Chelle’s men will now face Gabon in the semi-final on November 13, with victory setting up a decisive clash against the winner between Cameroon and DR Congo for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for next March in Mexico.
