Ola Aina and the Super Eagles are in danger of missing out on a second consecutive FIFA World Cup unless something drastic happens
Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has admitted that he is desperate to play at the FIFA World Cup after missing out on the previous two editions, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria has not played a World Cup game since 2018, when they were knocked out after losing their final group stage game to Argentina.
In 2022, the Super Eagles failed to make the Mundial in Qatar after failing to defeat Ghana over two legs.
Now, it seems thunder will strike twice, as Nigeria is on the verge of missing another FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles currently sit fourth in Group C of the World Cup Qualifiers, six points behind leaders South Africa.
With just four games left, only a miracle would see Nigeria through, as they need to win all four of their remaining games in the series and hope that the other teams in their groups falter.
Nonetheless, Nottingham Forest star Aina, who has been featured in most of Nigeria’s games in the qualifying series, is adamant that they can sneak in.
Aina, who turns 29 in October, has also stated that he will play his heart out in the remaining games, as this might be his last chance to play in the World Cup.
“I got shenked in 2018. That manager (Gernot Rohr) shenked me, I was supposed to go, but he did rubbish,” Aina said.
“Then obviously we didn’t qualify in 2022. So this 2026, I’m putting all my energy into it. I need to go because if not, I think my World Cup dream is over.
“I’ll be too old and I’m not trying to get in other people’s place, and it’s in the US. I need to be there. There’s five (four) games left and we need to win all.”
“This 2026 World Cup, I need to be there, I think we can do it (Qualify)”.
Ola Aina shares his World Cup dreams, and his hopes ahead of 2026.
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The Super Eagles have a lifeline
Days after Nigeria’s last game in the World Cup Qualifiers in March, news broke that South Africa risked losing three points for fielding an ineligible player for their game against Benin.
There were issues over the technicality of the case, but it is unlikely that it will be swept under the carpet.
If South Africa are docked three points, Benin will get those points and will climb to first place with 11 points. The Bafana Bafana will drop to second with ten points, three points over Nigeria.
Then, the Super Eagles will just have to win their remaining games and hope that the other teams in the group cancel out each other.
However, the Super Eagles have not inspired confidence in recent years. It would be a real miracle if they make it to the Mundial.