Osayi-Samuel optimistic about Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes

Super Eagles defender and Fenerbahçe star, Bright Osayi-Samuel, has expressed confidence that Nigeria can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite recent setbacks in the qualifiers. Speaking at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City during an under-13 youth football tournament he organised, Osayi-Samuel said the team’s qualification hopes remain alive. “Nigeria still […]

Super Eagles defender and Fenerbahçe star, Bright Osayi-Samuel, has expressed confidence that Nigeria can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite recent setbacks in the qualifiers.

Speaking at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City during an under-13 youth football tournament he organised, Osayi-Samuel said the team’s qualification hopes remain alive.

“Nigeria still has a good chance of qualifying,” he said. “We just need to approach every remaining game with determination and win them all.”

The Fenerbahçe fullback stressed the importance of unity and belief as the team looks to bounce back and secure a spot at the global tournament.

“We believe in our team and we remained confident and fully aligned with the vision of head coach, Eric Chelle” he said.

He said though it will be difficult, but the right mentality and collective belief could turn things around for them.

Speaking on the head coach ability, Osayi-Samuel described Chelle as a fantastic coach, saying he is at home with his philosophy.

“For me, the coach is fantastic. The way he wants us to press and run; I think everyone in the team is aligned with his ideas.

He however noted that the team’s recent performance against a strong opponent is a evidence of progress, saying the team only lost one out of the six or seven matches played recently.