Can Nigeria Return to the World Cup Finals in 2026?

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Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar despite possessing an abundance of talent. The Super Eagles were widely expected to qualify but were upset by Ghana in the playoffs to enter the tournament.

The West African nation now has three years to rebuild until the competition is held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The form of a number of Nigerians in club soccer this season has delivered positive signs for the future of the national team.

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen has been one of Europe’s leading players this season and has been a major factor in Napoli’s Serie A title charge. The Italian side looks set to win their first league trophy in over 30 years and Osimhen has spearheaded their efforts with his remarkable goalscoring form. In his first 22 league appearances he found the net 19 times. In online sports betting in Zambia, Napoli is offered at -20000 to win Serie A as the title race is all but over. Osimhen is also the favorite to finish the season as the top goalscorer and there is a range of other outright, match, and in-play markets available for Serie A for anyone looking to wager on the league before the end of the season.

Osimhen has also been on top form in the UEFA Champions League as Napoli seeks what would be their first-ever triumph in the competition. He scored four goals in his first five appearances in Europe this season which helped his side to victory over the likes of Liverpool and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Osimhen is a complete forward that will likely only polish his game further in the coming years. He is probably still a few years away from hitting his prime days, yet already he is performing at a leading European level. Osimhen could perhaps improve further under another top coach and in a fresh competitive environment. He will certainly be the face of Nigeria’s efforts to qualify for the World Cup finals in 2026.

Wilfred Ndidi

Wilfred Ndidi is one of the more experienced players in the Super Eagles’ set-up and is in the midst of his peak playing days. He has stagnated at Leicester this season as his inconsistent form has coincided with the poor form of the club overall.

A move this summer could be vital for Ndidi in order to compete at a higher level of European soccer. The defensive midfielder has the quality to play for most top sides around Europe. His peak ability is unlikely to be fulfilled while playing for a relegation-threatened side.

Alex Iwobi

Alex Iwobi has been one of the few positives in Everton’s poor campaign this season. His work rate coupled with his press resistance is absolutely crucial to his side’s ability to sustain possession. Iwobi is another player that will be vital alongside Ndidi in midfield for the Super Eagles in the following years. Nigeria appears to be in a strong position to qualify for the World Cup in 2026. The competition’s expanded format is also set to benefit them as more qualification places will be awarded to the African continent. Morocco showed what an African nation is capable of in Qatar, and Nigeria can certainly be envisioned to produce something similar in North America.