“It will favour us” – Ex-Super Eagles star prays for success over NFF World Cup plea

Former Super Eagles and Manchester United striker Jude Odion Ighalo still harbours hopes of seeing Nigeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Afrik Foot reports.

Nigeria lost to Sebastien Desabre’s men on penalties in the play-offs back in November 2025.

However, the NFF latched onto Cameroon’s filed complaint over the ineligibility of some Congo players who hold dual passports, a situation the laws of the country forbid.

FIFA rejected the NFF’s claim, but the Nigerian Federation filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports in an attempt to secure the Mundial spot at all costs.

Ighalo prays for Super Eagles’ success in NFF World Cup plea

The former Watford striker represented the Green and Whites at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and has opined on the ongoing drama.

Ighalo’s plea stems from the huge number of talents in the current Nigeria squad that are at the peak of their careers, and could never play for their nation on the biggest stage if they miss this edition of the Mundial.

“They said they fielded players that are meant to to play, it’s a very difficult one because they must have a very strong case to qualify for World Cup because FIFA is not CAF that will handover ticket to Nigeria,” the 36-year-old said in quotes revealed by Brila.

“They must have a very strong case I pray it will favour Nigeria because this boys deserve to be in the World Cup; because Osimhen is doing so well he deserves to be in the World Cup.

“He is a baller, same with Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze,” the ex-Granada man concluded.

With no breakthrough in proceedings, Nigeria went into the March International, securing a win against Iran and a draw against Jordan last night.