“Anything can happen” – Ex-Nigeria forward weighs in on Super Eagles World Cup qualification hopes

Former Nigeria international John Chukwudi Utaka has expressed optimism regarding the Super Eagles’ chances of securing group C’s 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket despite their disappointing qualifying campaign so far, Footynaija.com reports.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have managed only one win in six World Cup qualifying matches and with just four games remaining, their hopes of reaching the Mundial set to take place in The United States, Mexico and Canada are hanging by a thread.

To keep their qualification dream alive, Eric Chelle’s charges must secure victory in all their remaining fixtures and rely on the other teams above them in the group standings, especially South Africa, to drop points.

Despite the Super Eagles’ current dilemma, Utaka has expressed confidence in the ability of the current group of players to turn their fortunes around and book their place in the 2026 edition of football’s biggest tournament.

The former Super Eagles forward, who registered six goals in 49 appearances between 2001 and 2012, urged the national team to stay determined in their quest for qualification as anything can happen in football.

“With the kind of talent we have, we shouldn’t be in this position,” the former RC Lens attacker said in an interview with Brila.

“We need to come together and stay focused on achieving our World Cup dream. We must be determined like other countries.

“In football, anything can happen. We shouldn’t give up. I still believe we can qualify, but it all depends on how we approach the games ahead.” 

While Utaka’s optimism is not out of place, it goes without saying that the Super Eagles have an uphill task ahead and they will also require plenty of good fortune to make their World Cup dream come true.