Didier Drogba, the renowned former Chelsea striker, has voiced his support for the Nigerian Super Eagles as they gear up for a pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff showdown against Gabon, as reported by Soccernet.ng.
The ex-Galatasaray star urged Nigerian supporters to stay composed and have faith in their squad’s potential as they approach these decisive matches.
Following a narrow 2-1 victory over Lesotho and a commanding 4-0 triumph against the Benin Republic under the leadership of coach Gernot Rohr, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations victors have clinched their place in the playoff round, where they will meet Gabon.
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=”2560″ height=”1709″ />Drogba Reflects on the Criticism Faced by Nigeria’s Super Eagles
In a recent interview, Drogba shed light on the intense scrutiny African teams often face, especially when they come close to victory but fall short. He cited Nigeria’s journey in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as a clear example of how quickly public opinion can sour.
“Had Nigeria won the AFCON, the criticism would have been far less severe. That’s the nature of football. It doesn’t imply the team lacks talent. They fought hard to reach the final, but once they lost, the narrative shifted drastically,” Drogba explained.
“This is a recurring theme in African football. Finishing second is often seen as failure, unlike in leagues such as the Premier League, where Chelsea’s runner-up finishes are accepted without much criticism.”
Drogba’s Outlook on the Super Eagles’ Prospects:
“Nigeria’s participation in the World Cup is vital for African football. I’m confident they will secure their spot.”
– Didier Drogba pic.twitter.com/1xwaOipVgE
– @ (@OneJoblessBoy) October 19, 2025
Drogba stressed that reaching the AFCON final is a commendable feat and urged fans to appreciate the current Nigerian squad instead of subjecting them to harsh judgment.
“Nigeria boasts a rich football heritage, and this team is brimming with talent, including stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, both recently lauded for their stellar displays. Yet, every game is a battle; opponents won’t simply yield because it’s Nigeria,” he remarked.
The Ivorian legend also noted that a team’s reputation alone doesn’t ensure victory. He encouraged the Super Eagles to focus on their preparations ahead of the crucial playoff against Gabon.
“While a renowned name can command respect, what truly counts is the dedication behind the scenes. Challenges will come, but from my perspective, Nigeria is a strong contender,” Drogba concluded.
The Broader Impact of Nigeria’s Quest for 2026 World Cup Qualification
Drogba underscored the importance of Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing its significance not only for national pride but also for the entire African football community.
“Nigeria’s qualification would be a major uplift for African football. However, if they fall short, we will continue to support whichever team proudly represents the continent,” he affirmed.
The Super Eagles are set to clash with Gabon in the forthcoming playoff, with the victor advancing to face the winner of the DR Congo versus Cameroon tie, which will ultimately decide their place at the 2026 World Cup.