By Ogo Clarkson
The President of Unified Supporters Club of Nigeria, Prince Vincent Okumagba lauded the Super Eagles’ 4-0 thrashing of Benin Republic, praising the team’s fighting spirit and the fans’ support. In an interview with Sportsday International, Okumagba attributed the win to the team’s determination to rectify past disappointments.
“Nothing other than the will to write the wrongs,” he said, referring to the team’s motivation. “The results so far do not reflect the capacity of the Super Eagles and they have seen that the nation has been unhappy for their inability to qualify for the last World Cup.”
He emphasized that failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be unacceptable, saying, “A team with 2023 and 2024 Africa footballer of the year and the most expensive team in Africa failing to qualify for the World Cup for the second consecutive time will be disastrous and will not be acceptable by Nigerians.”
Okumagba also highlighted the importance of key players like Victor Osimhen, Chukwueze, and others rising to the occasion, stating, “Players like Osimhen, Chukwueze, Simone, Lukeman, Iwobi and others who have proved their worth in their clubs in Europe needed to rise to the occasion when it matters because this an opportunity to play at the biggest soccer event in the world.”
He praised the players’ dedication, saying, “For a very long time, Nigerians have cause to build their confidence on the national team as they have kept the qualification hope alive.” Okumagba cautioned against complacency, urging the team to continue on their revamped path in a friendly match against Venezuela on November 3rd, before they head into the single leg semi final playoffs against Gabon in Morocco, November 13th to 16th where winners will proceed to the Six-Team Intercontinental Playoff, scheduled for the Mexican cities of Guadalaja and Monterrey in March next year, where two teams will emerge and qualify for the finals in USA, Canada and Mexico.
The winner from the African playoff will be joined by Bolivia, New Caledonia and two teams from Central America, and one from Asia.
