Odegbami: Nigeria Must Qualify for 2026 World Cup to Give Africa a Voice

Former Nigerian international Segun Odegbami has stressed that Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is crucial to amplifying Africa’s voice on the global stage. Speaking on the theme ‘Role of Sports in Global Geo-Politics,’ Odegbami highlighted the importance of sports in confronting global inequalities and ensuring Africa’s representation in international decision-making.

World Cup as a Platform for Africa

Odegbami, who earned 47 caps for Nigeria between 1976 and 1981, explained that sports could serve as a strategic tool to counterbalance geopolitical games played by superpowers. “It is very important for the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, so that Africa will have a voice. So, over to you, Victor Osimhen, Lookman Ademola, Troost William-Ekong, (Stanley) Nwabali, Tolu Arokodare, Simon Moses, Ola Aina, Tobi Amusan, Anthony Joshua, Ese Brume, and the rest of them,” he said.

Odegbami further noted that African nations contribute significantly to the global sports economy, estimated at over $2 trillion. African athletes, he added, have consistently brought recognition to the continent through stellar performances in international competitions.

He called for a united front among African countries to demand equality and confront systemic injustice in sports. “Africa must come as a superpower of a different kind, too,” Odegbami said. “Were that to happen, will anyone question what sports has to do with geopolitics anymore?”

According to him, the World Cup presents an opportunity for Nigeria to lead the continent in revisiting alliances like those of 1976, making a global statement that celebrates freedom and equality for all humanity. “The continent must rise with one voice and in one accord to confront such injustice at the table of civilizations in this imagined new world order,” he added.

Super Eagles’ Road to Qatar

The Super Eagles’ qualification hopes are hanging by a thread after a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein on September 9, 2025. With two matches remaining in Group C, Nigeria trails Benin Republic by four points and South Africa by three points, following FIFA sanctions against the latter for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho.

The sanctions awarded three points and three goals to Lesotho, leaving South Africa with 14 points in second place, while Nigeria and Rwanda sit on 11 points each. Benin Republic currently tops the group.

Nigeria will next face Lesotho on October 10, before concluding their group stage campaign against Benin Republic on October 14. A strong showing in these final fixtures will be crucial if the Super Eagles are to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Odegbami urged the team to see their participation not just as a sporting goal, but as a chance to elevate Africa’s presence on the global stage. He emphasized that the impact of qualification extends beyond football, influencing economic opportunities and Africa’s stature in international affairs.

As the countdown to the remaining qualifiers continues, Odegbami’s call resonates: for Africa, and particularly Nigeria, the World Cup is more than a game, it is a platform to demand recognition, equality, and influence in global sports and geopolitics.