Following a dominant performance against the Benin Republic on Tuesday, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have reignited their pursuit of a berth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Idah Peterside, a former goalkeeper for both Enyimba International and the Super Eagles, has called for urgent reforms in the administration of Nigerian and African football, as reported by Soccernet.ng.
By scoring four goals in their decisive qualifier against Benin Republic, the three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions have revitalized their hopes of clinching a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Looking forward, Nigeria is slated to face Gabon in the African play-offs, which will be held in Morocco next month.
Frank Onyeka of Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Super Eagles of Nigeria and Benin Republic at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on October 14, 2025 in Uyo, Nigeria” width=”1024″ height=”683″ />For the latest updates on sports, join our WhatsApp channel now!
Nigeria’s path to qualification was also influenced by South Africa’s three-point penalty after they fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their fixture against Lesotho.
Peterside highlighted that such administrative blunders could be avoided if African football was overseen by competent and professional leadership.
“Effective leadership is vital, and we must ensure it is done correctly. I’m not saying only former players or experts should be appointed, but professionalism must be the cornerstone of African football management,” the 51-year-old remarked during an interview on Soccer Beat.
“These kinds of mistakes rarely happen in Europe because those in charge fulfill their responsibilities with utmost diligence.”
Victor Osimhen of Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Super Eagles of Nigeria and Benin Republic at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on October 14, 2025 in Uyo, Nigeria” width=”1024″ height=”683″ />Critical Steps Ahead for the Super Eagles
Having accumulated four points from their first four World Cup qualifiers, Nigeria has progressed to the play-offs. However, Peterside argues that enhanced preparation and strategic planning could have made their campaign smoother.
“There’s a recurring problem in African football: a reluctance to do things properly, which is proving costly.
“With the World Cup just a year away, shouldn’t negotiations with players and arrangements for training camps already be underway?
“FIFA sets out timelines and venues once qualification is secured. These should be locked in early to prevent last-minute disruptions.
“Players shouldn’t be isolated in their hotel rooms during the tournament due to unsettled bonuses. Resolving these issues beforehand keeps them focused and driven.”
Eric Chelle of Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Amavubi of Rwanda” width=”1024″ height=”684″ />Should Nigeria secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America, Peterside insists that only those who actively contributed to the qualification process should be included in the final squad.
“It’s common to see players based in Europe suddenly rediscover their African roots as the World Cup nears, as if they just remembered their heritage.
“This is unfair to those who have worked tirelessly to qualify. Players who haven’t been part of the journey should respect the team’s cohesion and stay out of the mix.
“The squad that earned qualification deserves full recognition and reward,” Peterside concluded.
From the current squad led by Eric Chelle, only William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi were part of Gernot Rohr’s 23-man team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, underscoring the eagerness of many players to make their debut on football’s grandest stage.