Mali coach reveals why it would be a shock if Nigeria miss 2026 World Cup – ‘Best in Africa’

Mali’s head coach, Tom Saintfiet, has described Nigeria as the “best team in Africa” and believes it would be a major shock if the Super Eagles fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Footynaija.com reports.

The Belgian tactician praised Nigeria’s squad depth and the sheer quality of players available to the national team.

He highlighted the strength of Nigeria’s attacking options, midfielders, defenders, and goalkeepers, insisting that the Super Eagles have enough talent to compete at the highest level.

“It will be sad if the strongest team in Africa don’t qualify. The Super Eagles are currently, not only now, the last three, four years, the best team in Africa,” Saintfiet said in an interview with AySuga Naija Lifestyle on YouTube.

23 for Rwanda & Zimbabwe WCQ #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/uVa61KUFC4

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 11, 2025

Despite Nigeria’s inability to lift a major title since their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph under Stephen Keshi, Saintfiet emphasized that the Super Eagles have consistently been among the continent’s elite sides.

The Mali boss remains optimistic about Nigeria’s chances of reaching the World Cup and believes they are strong contenders to win the next AFCON.

“You cannot have 23, you can have 46 players who can become African champions,” he added, stressing the nation’s depth and potential.

Saintfiet also identified Morocco as Nigeria’s biggest rivals in Africa, listing both teams as frontrunners for success at AFCON and qualification for the World Cup.

“For me, together with Morocco, they are the big favourites for AFCON but also for the World Cup,” he said.

Acknowledging the competitive nature of Nigeria’s qualifying group, Saintfiet pointed to South Africa as a major challenger but maintained that the Super Eagles’ superior talent should be enough to secure qualification.

“With all respect for the opponents, South Africa have a very good coach, good team, but Nigeria have so much quality. They have to do everything. They have to catch up the points they lost. In that group, I think they will qualify,” he concluded.

Saintfiet’s remarks come at a crucial moment for Nigeria, whose World Cup qualifying campaign has faltered.

The Super Eagles have failed to win any of their opening four matches and currently sit in fifth place in Group C, making their remaining fixtures vital to their chances of securing a spot at the 2026 tournament.