Nigeria’s quest to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be fueled by desperation, according to star striker Victor Osimhen.

The Super Eagles, who are yet to register a win in their Group C campaign, have drawn three of their opening four matches—a struggle compounded by Osimhen’s absence due to injury.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, the 26-year-old described it as a “heartbreaking disappointment” after their fierce rivals, Ghana, edged them out in a play-off to claim a spot in Qatar.

“It’s a dream of every footballer to play at the World Cup and with our situation in the group I am desperate, like other players, to make it to the 2026 tournament,” Osimhen told BBC Sport Africa.

“We suffered a big disappointment in 2022 and we simply can’t let it happen again to us, the country and our generation.

“You don’t want to finish your career with the regrets of not playing at the World Cup. That is not what I want for myself.”

With crucial fixtures ahead, Nigeria will be under pressure to turn their fortunes around and avoid missing out on a second consecutive World Cup appearance.

Vanguard News