“How do you expect to qualify?” – Ex-Super Eagles coach slams Nigeria after Zimbabwe setback

Former Super Eagles coach Johannes Bonfrère has expressed his deep frustration over the Nigeria’s failure to secure victory in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in Uyo, Soccernet.ng reports.

Bonfrère was a key coaching staff during Nigeria’s golden era when the country won Olympic gold in 1996, lifted the AFCON in 1994 and qualified for the World Cup for the first time.

However, the good times are few and far apart for Nigeria football recently as the Super Eagles reached the final of the AFCON last year but look set to miss consecutive editions of the World Cup.

And Bonfrère has not hold back in his criticism of the current squad after the team struggled to a disappointing 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in Uyo on Tuesday.

Speaking to Complete Sports from his home in the Netherlands, the Dutchman lamented Nigeria’s inability to dominate a team they once brushed aside with ease.

Tuesday’s clash saw Victor Osimhen give Nigeria the lead in the second half, raising hopes of a much-needed win.

Tawanda Chirewa with excellent close control

Zimbabwe stun Nigeria with a late equaliser to give Bafana Bafana the advantage in Group C ⚽#SSDiski | #TotalEnergiesWCQ2026 pic.twitter.com/pemAkmJske

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 25, 2025

However, a late equaliser from Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa left the Super Eagles frustrated and significantly dented their chances of automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

“How do you expect to qualify for the World Cup if you don’t win games?” Bonfrère asked pointedly.

“In the past, if we didn’t beat Zimbabwe 3-0 or 4-0, the fans would throw stones at us.

“With the huge number of Super Eagles players in top European leagues, a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe is unacceptable. I don’t see how they can qualify for the World Cup, except maybe through the play-offs.

“If that happens, good. But it’s embarrassing that the Super Eagles are struggling against teams they should be beating convincingly.”

When asked what went wrong, Bonfrère raised concerns over the team’s tactical approach and lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.

“I didn’t watch the game, but did the coach not have enough information on Zimbabwe? Did he use the wrong tactics? Or did the players fail to execute the game plan?

“Was it a loss of concentration? Why couldn’t the attackers score more goals? If they had put away two or three chances, Zimbabwe’s late goal wouldn’t have mattered as much.

“It’s sad, painful, and unfortunate. Small teams are now looking the Super Eagles in the eye and asking, ‘What can you do?’ No team fears them anymore, and that is worrying.”

Nigeria’s qualification in serious jeopardy

The draw leaves Nigeria in fourth place in Group C with seven points, trailing South Africa (13 points), Rwanda (8), and Benin (8).

South Africa’s 2-0 win over Benin widened the gap at the top, putting the Super Eagles under enormous pressure with only four matches remaining.

With automatic qualification looking increasingly uncertain, Nigeria now face an uphill battle to keep their World Cup hopes alive.