Similar to past efforts, Nigerians are once again pinning their hopes on prayer as they look forward to the senior national football team, known as the Super Eagles, securing a spot at next year’s FIFA World Cup hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Their optimism was tested after the recent match ended in a 1-1 tie with Zimbabwe’s national team, which sits at the bottom of the rankings, held in Uyo within the Akwa Ibom State.

After the Nigerian national team, known as the Super Eagles, won against Rwanda at their home ground in Kigali last Friday, Nigerians briefly felt more optimistic. This triumph renewed the hope that the Eagles might secure one of the spots available from their group, which also comprises South Africa, Lesotho, and the Benin Republic.

At present, South Africa tops the group with 13 points, ahead of the Super Eagles who have accumulated seven points. Positioned below them are Rwanda and Benin, sharing the second and third spots with eight points apiece.

Any astute football observer can clearly see what’s ahead for the Super Eagles. From the beginning of the qualification rounds, they have failed to display signs of being a formidable side. In their previous four games leading up to the most recent fixtures, they managed just four points, including a loss to Benin Republic, whom they typically dismiss without much thought.

After the draw was revealed, numerous Nigerians believed it would be smooth sailing for their national team. Even though football often brings unexpected twists, few people in Nigeria anticipated anything negative happening. However, with Lesotho lodging a protest against our team due to playing an ineligible participant, it has become quite astonishing how we find ourselves hoping that South Africa might drop points as well.

To numerous Nigerian soccer enthusiasts, it’s hard to fathom that their country might once again miss out on participating in yet another FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 event after losing to Ghana’s Black Stars at this very venue—the Moshood Abiola Stadium.

However, our present situation has been developing over a considerable period primarily because of multiple failures within our football management. Notably, the team hasn’t experienced continuity in leadership for quite some time, which is crucial for strategic development and fostering teamwork. The most recent instance of having a stable head coach overseeing the national side for an extended duration was during Gernot Rohr’s tenure from 2016 to 2021. Following his exit, the team underwent rapid changes, welcoming four different coaches in swift succession; this instability hindered the required chemistry among players and staff alike. Several of these appointments were temporary roles, preventing full engagement and dedication from the coaching personnel.

Moreover, the nation heavily depends on overseas-based players, some of whom have never actually been to Nigeria before joining the national team known as the Eagles. This makes it challenging for these young athletes, who lack a strong connection to Nigeria’s identity, to blend effectively with the squad. Additionally, it hinders thorough observation of their performances. Sadly, several players turn to represent the country only when they face rejection from their home countries abroad. A player familiar with both the environment and mindset of Nigeria would likely offer more dedication to the national cause despite playing for clubs outside the country. We can draw parallels here with the successes of the Super Eagles during the 1990s, whose achievements brought immense happiness and national pride.

The editors of Daily Trust think it’s not too late to form this team provided those in leadership positions possess the desire to make it happen.

It is crucial as well to establish a coaching staff that receives an extensive contract along with autonomy to carry out their duties. This setup allows for the development of a strategic game plan for the team. Additionally, it facilitates thorough supervision of athletes whether they are based domestically or internationally.

These include both long-term and medium-term strategies. However, the immediate challenge is securing the Super Eagles’ spot at the premier football event. Everyone needs to contribute fully towards achieving this objective. Both the team members, coaches, and sports officials must put forth their utmost efforts to guarantee the country’s participation. The plan to schedule two friendlies before the qualifier against Rwanda is appreciated. It will provide valuable opportunities to refine player abilities and tactical approaches for upcoming fixtures.

Football continues to serve as a unifying force in Nigeria, and we must not let this opportunity slip away again. Missing out twice consecutively would indeed be disheartening. As we extend our wishes for success in their upcoming games, we strongly encourage the team to put forth their utmost effort dedicatedly for Nigeria’s sake.

Let not the idea of skipping another World Cup even cross our minds.

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