The National Chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), Samuel Ikpea, is optimistic about the Super Eagles qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a recent interview, he mentioned that the supporters club is celebrating its 70th anniversary and is excitedly preparing for an important playoff match.
The Super Eagles will be playing against Gabon on Thursday in a critical game in Rabat, Morocco. Ikpea stressed the significance of this match, describing it as a “make or mar” situation for Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup. He noted that the NFSC has been backing the national teams for many years, and this year is special due to their long-standing support for both the men’s and women’s teams.
Ikpea encouraged fans to come together and support the Super Eagles. “This game is not just crucial to the Super Eagles, but for all Nigerians who love their country,” he said. He assured that the supporters’ club is dedicated to showing its support as the players prepare for what Ikpea called a crucial match in Nigerian football.
He highlighted that the NFSC assembled members from both local and international areas to travel to Morocco and support the team.
“We’ve taken every possible measure to ensure our presence in Morocco is impactful, providing the utmost support for the team.
“Our goal in Morocco goes beyond just singing and cheering; we aim to deliver strong moral and spiritual support for the Eagles,” Ikpea stated.
He further mentioned that the fans would blend their traditional chants with prayers for the team’s success in Morocco.
Ikpea expressed his hope that the team would achieve the necessary results to qualify for the global tournament.
“The Super Eagles will make it to the World Cup. I have complete faith in their qualification,” he asserted.
He recalled making a prediction after Nigeria’s Independence Day that the Super Eagles would recover from their recent challenges.
“The team displayed remarkable spirit in their last home match against Benin in Uyo and will carry that energy into the playoff.
“We cannot underestimate the Super Eagles. God has a way of making things happen. They will undoubtedly return stronger,” he added.
Ikpea stressed that the Super Eagles performed exceptionally well against Benin and would maintain that momentum in Morocco.
“The players are based in Europe, so the conditions in Morocco will be advantageous for us, particularly concerning the weather.
“We have a favorable climate there, and the Eagles will play with speed and confidence to secure victory,” Ikpea noted.
The Super Eagles are diligently working to return to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Nigeria must defeat Gabon in Thursday’s playoff to advance to Sunday’s final of the CAF Intercontinental Playoff.
A victory on Sunday would ensure that the Super Eagles are one step closer to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
(NAN)
