The journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins. Nigeria’s Super Eagles will begin their quest to reach the mundial against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
While the fans are hoping that Qatar 2022 heartbreak will not happen, Super Eagles’ gaffer Jose Peseiro has declared that qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is a must for his team.
Peseiro made this declaration in the obligatory pre match press conference as the Super Eagles set up to face Lesotho.
On the short period between the fixture and preparatory time, the Portuguese said it is a difficult thing to deal with.
“We haven’t had enough time to prepare the team because we had to minimize training because of players arrivals but we have to accumulate the preparations before now. We had like 8 sessions in the last window and it has helped me to know the players well.”
Why Maduka Okoye Withdrew From The Qualifiers
The sudden withdrawal of Maduka Okoye saw the surprise invitation of Bendel Insurance shot-stopper, Amas Obasogie. Peseiro explained further the reason, the goalkeeper withdrew.
“Okoye had to withdraw due to passport issues”
When asked which he would prefer between winning the African Cup of Nations or qualifying for the World Cup, the gaffer replied by saying “2026 World Cup is a must.”
The Portuguese also mentioned that his team “is a very distinct team and will do anything to get the job done”. Peseiro will be missing the services of talisman, Victor Osimhen and midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi but he insists that he only “focuses on the players he has in his current and how they will deliver the results.”
Nigeria will be hoping to not just “Let’s Do It Again” in the Africa Cup of Nations, they will be hoping to do it again with a World Cup qualification.