Former Nigerian international Etim Esin has urged the Super Eagles to dig deep and reignite their campaign for a 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket, declaring that the team still possesses the quality and pedigree to make it to football’s biggest stage.
Speaking in renewed optimism, Esin—fondly remembered for his flair and brilliance in the late 1980s—joined other ex-internationals, including Femi Ajilore, in expressing confidence that Nigeria can overturn its shaky start and qualify. His comments, reported by Punch Nigeria, have resonated with fans hungry for reassurance after a turbulent qualifying phase.
Currently, the Super Eagles sit in a precarious position in Group C, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, with only a few matches left to rescue their campaign. The stakes couldn’t be higher. BusinessDay NG notes that the upcoming home clash in Uyo could be a defining moment in determining Nigeria’s fate.
For Esin, however, belief alone isn’t enough. The ex-midfield maestro—who has never shied away from calling out football authorities—previously voiced frustration with what he described as the “lack of seriousness” within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and questioned the technical depth of current head coach Eric Chelle. In a February 2025 interview with Vanguard, he warned that World Cup qualification would demand more than talent—it would require discipline, unity, and accountability.
This isn’t Esin’s first rallying cry. Back in 2022, he boldly declared that “a World Cup ticket is not negotiable,” urging Nigerian players to treat qualification as a duty rather than a dream—a statement that has now taken on renewed urgency as the team faces mounting pressure. Independent Nigeria recalls that Esin’s fiery commitment to Nigerian football has long made him one of its most outspoken ambassadors.
As the Super Eagles prepare to face Group C leaders Benin Republic, Esin’s message is clear: play with pride, precision, and purpose. For him, failure is not an option.
“We’ve been here before,” Esin said. “Nigeria has the players, the fans, and the spirit. What’s needed now is focus and hunger. The World Cup ticket must come home.”
With the nation’s hopes once again hanging in the balance, Esin’s words echo beyond the locker room—a timely reminder that history favors those who fight till the final whistle.
