“I Believe in the Super Eagles” – Jay-Jay Okocha Confident Nigeria Will Beat Gabon, Qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Former Super Eagles captain and Nigerian football legend, Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, has expressed unwavering belief in Nigeria’s ability to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the team has what it takes to overcome Gabon and claim Africa’s sole playoff ticket before advancing through the FIFA intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.
Speaking on The Exchange with Femi Soneye, Okocha admitted that Nigeria’s road to qualification has been challenging, but he remains confident that the Super Eagles will rise to the occasion when it matters most.
According to him, the team’s resilience, experience, and hunger to succeed will make the difference in the decisive moments.
“I’m the worst person to ask if Nigeria will qualify,” Okocha said with a laugh. “Because I can never say anything against the national team. ”
“Once there’s a glimmer of hope, of course, I will believe and that’s the beauty of football.”
For Okocha, football is about faith, perseverance, and the spirit to overcome adversity.
While acknowledging the team’s struggles, he maintained that the Super Eagles possess the mental strength to navigate their current situation.
“Sometimes you have to do it the hard way. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But I still trust this team; I still believe it’s possible. We put ourselves in this position, and we’re the only ones who can get ourselves out of it,” he said.
The former PSG and Bolton Wanderers playmaker also emphasized that the players understand the weight of expectation placed on their shoulders, not just for themselves, but for millions of Nigerians who live and breathe football.
“The players feel it the most. It’s their job. They would love to play in the World Cup, and they know how disappointed our fans would be if they don’t make it,” he added.
Jay Jay Okocha was part to the Super Eagles that qualify Nigeria for their first ever appeance at the FIFA World Cup in 1994.
He later attended the 1998 edition and captained the team to the 2002 World Cup in Korea in Japan but failed in his bid to qualify for the Germany 2006 World Cup
As the Super Eagles prepare to face Gabon on Thursday in Morocco for the CAF World Cup playoff semi-final, Okocha’s words reflect the prevailing mood of cautious optimism among fans.
Should Nigeria triumph over the Gabonese side, they will go on to face the winner between Cameroon and DR Congo in the final battle for Africa’s sole intercontinental playoff slot and another chance to fly the green and white flag on the world stage.