Playing at 2026 W’Cup our priority — Osimhen

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has emphasized that securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup is a primary objective for the Nigerian national team, as they aim to avoid missing out on consecutive tournaments.

"Participating in the World Cup is essential, and we must ensure it happens this time," the Galatasaray player stated in an interview with BBC Sport Africa.

The 2023 African Footballer of the Year conveyed his eagerness to assist Nigeria in overcoming their winless start in Group C of the qualifiers, where they have managed to draw three of their first four matches.

"It is every footballer's dream to compete in the World Cup, and given our current standing in the group, I, like my teammates, am determined to qualify for the 2026 event," Osimhen remarked.

He reflected on the disappointment of 2022, stating, "We experienced a significant setback last year, and we cannot allow that to happen again to our nation and our generation," referring to Nigeria's failure to qualify for the Qatar 2022 tournament after losing to Ghana in the playoffs.

Currently, the Super Eagles are four points behind group leaders Rwanda and face a critical double-header this month, beginning with a match in Kigali against the Wasps on March 21, followed by a home game against bottom-placed Zimbabwe four days later at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Newly appointed coach Eric Chelle, who made history as the first non-Nigerian African to lead the Super Eagles in January, will face immediate pressure to achieve positive results in these upcoming matches.

"There is a new manager now, and we are eagerly anticipating the game against Rwanda to rectify the mistakes we have made previously and improve our chances of qualifying," Osimhen stated, noting his impressive record of 23 goals and 11 assists in 39 senior appearances for Nigeria.

After discussions with Chelle, who guided Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Osimhen expressed confidence in collaborating with the Franco-Malian coach.

I have engaged in discussions with him on several occasions and have a clear understanding of the goals he has established for both himself and the players, he remarked.

Winning football matches requires more than just a coach; players must also perform at their highest level, demonstrate dedication, and remember that we can achieve our objectives together.

The 26-year-old forward asserts that Nigeria's gifted generation, which includes fellow African Player of the Year recipient Ademola Lookman, must leave a significant impact on the international stage. He stated, "While many claim we possess a talented generation, we can only validate this talent by competing in a World Cup, as those who came before us did."

He expressed disappointment, along with his teammates, at missing the opportunity to participate in Qatar, noting that our supporters may not fully grasp the extent of its impact on us.

As Nigeria prepares for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they will face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, Osimhen emphasizes that the World Cup qualifiers are of utmost importance.

"We cannot afford to concentrate excessively on a tournament scheduled for later in the year when we have the pressing matter of the World Cup to address first. Our priority is to handle that responsibility," the striker stated.

Only the winners of each qualifying group will secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, although Nigeria may still have the opportunity to enter continental playoffs in November if they finish second in their group.

Despite being three-time African champions and the highest-ranked team in Group C, Osimhen warned against becoming complacent as they approach the remaining matches scheduled for September and October.

"Reputation alone does not secure victories; one must be prepared and fully engaged throughout the matches. We are playing for our nation, our family names, and the aspirations of nearly 300 million people. It is not merely the pressure we face, but the determination to uphold our own standards and those of our country," he concluded.