As Nigeria’s Super Eagles gear up for their must-win 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a flurry of social media activity from key players has ignited controversy, raising questions about their true focus and commitment to the national team.
In what seemed like a nostalgic reflection, team members, including William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Ola Aina, shared old images of themselves in Nigerian colors, signaling a shift from club football to national duty. However, critics argue that these sentimental posts could be a distraction from the harsh reality—Nigeria is languishing in fifth place in Group C, with qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Is This a Show of Patriotism or Damage Control?
While some fans see the social media campaign as a rallying cry, others view it as an attempt to deflect from the team’s recent struggles. The absence of key players such as Kelechi Iheanacho, Ahmed Musa, and Zaidu Sanusi has already raised eyebrows, with many questioning whether Head Coach Éric Chelle’s squad selection will deliver results. The last-minute injury withdrawal of Nathan Tella, replaced by Jordan Torunarigha, has further fueled speculation about the team’s preparedness.
With a do-or-die match against Group C leaders Rwanda on March 21 and a crucial home fixture against Zimbabwe just days later, many Nigerians are wondering: Are the Super Eagles truly ready for battle, or are they just playing to the gallery?
As tensions rise and expectations mount, one thing is certain—Nigeria cannot afford another World Cup heartbreak.
