World Cup 2026 – Africa Zone: Jay-Jay Okocha believes the Super Eagles will bounce back

Nigerian football legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. A few days before the decisive playoff against Gabon, the former captain of the Super Eagles believes that nothing is lost yet for Éric Chelle’s side.

Nigeria will face the Panthers this Thursday at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Morocco. The winner of that match will then go up against the winner of the Cameroon – DR Congo tie to claim the African spot in the intercontinental playoff.

Invited to the show The Exchange hosted by Femi Soneye, Jay-Jay Okocha delivered a hopeful message: “As long as there’s a glimmer of hope, I believe. That’s the beauty of football,” he said.
“I keep faith in this team. Yes, we’ve put ourselves in a difficult situation, but we are the only ones who can get out of it.“

The former PSG playmaker also praised the group’s response in their recent outings: “We’ve seen a team trying to correct its mistakes. They’ve given us hope again.” Aware of the expectations of an entire country, Okocha believes in another feat from the Super Eagles, determined to secure their ticket to the North American World Cup.