Drogba Urges: Super Eagles Must Qualify – Africa Needs Nigeria at the 2026 World Cup

Ivorian former professional footballer and Chelsea legend, Didier Drogba, has stressed the importance of Nigeria qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking with Sporty TV, Drogba described the Super Eagles as one of Africa’s most influential teams whose presence on the global stage “means a lot” to the continent.

Nigeria missed out on automatic qualification from Group C, finishing second with 17 points, just one behind South Africa, who clinched the group’s only direct ticket after a 3-0 win over Rwanda in their final match at the Mbombela Stadium.

Despite their earlier setbacks, the Super Eagles ended their campaign on a high note, recording a 4-0 win over Benin Republic in Uyo last Tuesday to revive their hopes of reaching the Mundial.

The team will now face Gabon in the semi-finals of the African playoffs on November 13, with the winner facing either Cameroon or DR Congo for the continent’s sole intercontinental playoff slot in Mexico, March 2026.
‘Nigeria At 2026 World Cup Is Important for Africa’

Drogba appealed for patience from Nigerian fans, noting that the team remains one of Africa’s brightest hopes despite inconsistent performances.

“It would be nice if they qualify because to have Nigeria in a World Cup is very important for Africa,” Drogba said.

“But if they don’t qualify, the team that would be representing us, we will be proud to support.”

The former Chelsea striker highlighted Nigeria’s football heritage, describing their participation as a boost to African football visibility and global recognition.

Drogba also came to the defence of the Super Eagles, who have come under fire from fans following their performances since the 2023 AFCON final, where they lost to the Ivory Coast.

“You know, if Nigeria had won the African Cup of Nations, you wouldn’t even be saying that. But that’s football; it doesn’t mean that your team is not good,” he said.

“They were in the final. You were supporting them all through the campaign, and then all of a sudden they lose, then finish! They’re so bad, they criticise them from right to left, and it’s always like that in Africa.”

Drawing a parallel with club football, the two-time African Footballer of the Year said: “You finish second, it’s like Chelsea finishing second in the Premier League, like it doesn’t count.”

Drogba praised the current generation of Super Eagles stars, insisting they deserve recognition rather than criticism.

“That’s the level of expectation because you have won before. So I think the team is good,” he added.

“You have Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman — both Ballon d’Or winners for Africa. You have a team that can perform. But then you have opposition. You think the other team, because it’s Nigeria, they’re gonna sit like this?”

The Ivorian icon said the Eagles’ challenge was not ability but consistency and belief, adding that Africa needs its best teams, like Nigeria, competing at the highest level.