Super Eagles: Is this what stands between Nigeria & 2026 World Cup quarter final?

Rwanda coach Adel Amrouche has criticised the Super Eagles‘ inability to assert their dominance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, insisting that a team of Nigeria's calibre should not be struggling to qualify.

The three-time African champions, risk missing a second consecutive World Cup after a frustrating campaign in Group C. Despite boasting a squad brimming with talent, the Super Eagles have flattered to deceive, recording only three wins from nine matches. They sit third in the group, three points adrift of leaders Benin Republic and two behind South Africa with one game to play. Nigeria must beat Benin and hope South Africa drop points at home to Rwanda to stand any chance of progressing.

Speaking to journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Amrouche said he would have aimed for at least a quarter-final finish if he managed a team like Nigeria. “If I were coaching a team like the Super Eagles, with the quality of players they have, my target would be to reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup, at the very minimum. Qualifying for the World Cup should not be the issue,” said the Algerian, who has managed across the continent with Kenya, Libya, Burundi and Tanzania.

Is coaching quality to blame for the Super Eagles’ World Cup travails?

While Amrouche’s comments may sound harsh, Nigeria’s chaotic approach to the qualifiers tells its own story. The Super Eagles have had three different coaches during this campaign, José Peseiro, Finidi George and now Eric Chelle, each with contrasting ideas and limited time to stamp their authority.

Peseiro began the campaign with a pair of disappointing 1–1 draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, a return that translated to a win rate of 0% from his two matches. Finidi George’s brief tenure offered no improvement, managing 0% wins as well, following a 1–1 draw at home to South Africa and a 2–1 defeat to Benin Republic that ultimately cost him his job. Chelle, who replaced him midway through the series, has steadied the ship with a 60% win rate (three wins and two draws from five games, the best of the trio by some margin.

But beyond the numbers lies a deeper problem. Peseiro’s reign was marked by tactical imbalance and frequent lineup experiments that unsettled the team. Finidi, on the other hand, appeared out of his depth on the international stage. His team selection raised more questions than answers, handing minutes to Remo Stars’ right-back Ismail Sodiq and Benjamin Tanimu, who was playing for Tanzanian side Singida Black Stars, in crucial qualifiers defied logic.

At a time when experienced European-based options were available, Finidi opted for players short on international pedigree, a decision that exposed Nigeria’s defence and undermined any sense of cohesion.

Chelle has since restored some structure and belief, but lapses in in-game management particularly the late substitutions that led to dropped points against Zimbabwe, still reveal a degree of naivety.

Ultimately, while the revolving door of coaches has undoubtedly played its part, Nigeria’s problems run much deeper. With the depth and quality at their disposal, from Victor Osimhen to Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles should not need a Pep Guardiola or Luis Enrique to beat Lesotho or Zimbabwe. Amrouche’s critique, though blunt, rings true: this is a team underperforming far beneath its potential. The issue is not just who sits on the bench, but the lack of continuity, planning and conviction that continues to define Nigeria’s football administration.