Ex-International Waidi Akanni Backs Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup Bid

Former Nigerian planetary Waidi Akanni has expressed optimism astir the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, provided the squad maintains accordant performances successful the upcoming playoff matches.

Nigeria finished 2nd successful their qualifying radical aft a commanding 4-0 triumph implicit Benin Republic, trailing radical leaders South Africa by conscionable 1 point. This result places Nigeria among the apical runners-up who present indispensable beforehand done the CAF playoffs for a accidental to unafraid a World Cup spot successful 2026.

Speaking aft the last of the 1XCUP grassroots contention astatine Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, Akanni emphasised the value of consistency. He said, “Well, I’ll beryllium honest, they (Super Eagles) haven’t been consistent, and that’s the problem. If they tin beryllium accordant successful the adjacent 3 matches, wherefore not? In football, thing is definite until the past minute. I’m hopeful due to the fact that it’s each astir taking 1 crippled astatine a time.”

Regarding the nationalist squad coach’s performance, Akanni advocated for continuity. “Most definitely, I deliberation helium should continue. He has brought successful young and caller players, giving chances adjacent to those not initially expected to start. That shows progress,” Akanni added.

Meanwhile, Ikorodu City Football Academy emerged champions of the 2025 1XCUP grassroots tourney aft a tightly contested 1-0 triumph against ISAGT Athletic. They received a N10 cardinal currency prize for their accomplishment and ISAGTAthletic took location N5million. In the third-place match, Dosu Joseph FC staged an awesome second-half comeback to decision Nath Boys 2-1 and claimed N3 million.

Akanni, besides CEO of Match International Ltd, underscored the value of grassroots competitions for Nigerian shot development. “This is precisely what Nigeria needs,” helium noted. “We person galore teams anxious to participate, and these platforms nurture homegrown talent. We don’t ever person to beryllium connected foreign-based players. Grassroots shot is indispensable for the future, and this tourney volition nutrient outstanding players.”