The Nigerian Football Federation is reportedly displeased with national coach Jose Pesiero’s performance, citing financial constraints as a barrier to terminating his contract.
Nigeria’s initial journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers has been met with criticism due to underwhelming displays. This has raised concerns about the Super Eagles possibly missing the finals again, following their recent 1-1 home tie with Lesotho and a comeback draw against Zimbabwe.
Coach Jose Peseiro is facing scrutiny for not leveraging Nigeria’s rich offensive talent. However, ex-Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai believes in the team’s potential for a turnaround. “Football is unpredictable, and I see them surprising us and bringing joy to Nigerians,” said Rufai, a veteran of the 1994 and 1998 World Cup finals.
Nigeria sits third in Group C, two points behind leader Rwanda. Following their absence from the 2022 World Cup due to a defeat by Ghana, Peseiro’s team now focuses on the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Since Peseiro took over in 2022, the team has experienced mixed results, winning and losing six of 15 games. They’ve scored 31 goals (10 in one match) and conceded 21. Despite qualifying for the Nations Cup, recent World Cup qualification games have put Peseiro in a tough spot.
“We’re not satisfied given our talent and standard,” said Nigerian football scout David Doherty. The Nigerian Football Federation shares this sentiment but is financially unable to replace Peseiro, who has already agreed to a salary reduction.
Where Does Nigeria Need to Improve?
Ranked sixth in Africa and 40th worldwide, Nigeria’s expectations are high, especially with strikers like Victor Osimhen (Napoli), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen), Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest), and Ademola Lookman (Atalanta). However, the team’s midfield and goalkeeping have been points of concern.
Lagos-based sports blogger Eseoghene Edafe criticized the current midfield, contrasting it unfavorably with previous Nigerian squads. Similarly, the retirement of John Obi Mikel has left a noticeable gap.
Former player Duke Udi emphasized the need for a cohesive team effort. “The entire team needs to function as a unit, not just the attackers,” he commented.
The goalkeeping position, particularly with Francis Uzoho, has also been a topic of debate, with Uzoho facing criticism for recent performances. Despite this, Rufai urged the team to respond collectively to these challenges.
Looking Ahead to the Nations Cup
With the Africa Cup of Nations approaching, the Super Eagles are under scrutiny. Despite a lukewarm start to the World Cup qualifiers, team captain Moses Simon remains optimistic. “We’ve faced challenges before and can emerge stronger,” he stated.
The anticipated return of top scorer Osimhen from injury could be a significant boost. Udi supports Peseiro, stressing the premature nature of calls for his dismissal. “It’s too soon to judge based on two draws. We’re still in contention for both the World Cup and Nations Cup,” Udi added, signaling a hopeful outlook for Nigeria’s upcoming campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nigeria World Cup Qualifiers 2026
Why is the Nigerian Football Federation unhappy with Coach Jose Pesiero?
The Nigerian Football Federation is dissatisfied with Coach Jose Pesiero due to Nigeria’s lackluster performance in the initial stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Despite the team’s strong attacking talent, they have struggled to secure wins, leading to concerns about their ability to qualify for the World Cup.
What are the main issues facing the Nigerian football team in the World Cup qualifiers?
The main issues include underperformance from a talented squad, particularly in attacking positions, weaknesses in the midfield, and inconsistent goalkeeping. These factors have contributed to Nigeria’s poor start in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
What are the expectations for Nigeria in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations?
Despite their shaky start in the World Cup qualifiers, expectations remain high for Nigeria in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The return of key players like Victor Osimhen is anticipated to strengthen the team’s performance.
Can Coach Jose Pesiero turn around Nigeria’s fortunes in upcoming competitions?
There is a possibility for Coach Jose Pesiero to turn around Nigeria’s fortunes, as the team still has potential in both the World Cup and Nations Cup. However, he faces significant pressure to improve results and make effective use of the team’s talent.
More about Nigeria World Cup Qualifiers 2026
- Nigeria’s World Cup Qualifying Campaign
- Super Eagles Team Analysis
- Nigeria Football Federation and Coaching Challenges
- African Football: Nigeria’s Prospects in Continental Competitions
- Nigeria’s Performance in International Football
- Overview of Nigeria’s Football Strategy and Tactics
5 comments
Wow, Nigeria’s really gotta step up their game. can’t believe we’re struggling this much with such a talented squad…
honestly, i’m not surprised, it’s typical of our football federation to lack funds at crucial times, poor planning maybe??
Uzoho’s been under a lot of pressure, but he’s still young. He’ll bounce back, mark my words. Go Super Eagles!
pesiero’s got a tough job ahead, but i believe in the team! let’s show some support instead of all this criticism.
i think the issue is deeper than just the coach, our midfield’s been weak for years now, need to fix that asap.