Amaju Pinnick says the Super Eagles would have reached the 2026 World Cup under his leadership, citing Africa’s expanded slots

Former Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Melvin Pinnick has said the Super Eagles would have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if he were still in charge of Nigerian football.

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Amaju Pinnick, who served as NFF president from October 2014 to October 2022, made the assertion during an appearance on Sunday Oliseh’s Global Football Insights show.

The former CAF vice president expressed surprise that Nigeria failed to capitalise on the expanded World Cup format, which provides Africa with up to 10 qualification slots.

Amaju Pinnick said the scale of Africa’s representation made Nigeria’s current position unexpected.

He recalled Nigeria’s successful qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, which he described as one of the toughest African qualifying campaigns.

Amaju Pinnick said the Super Eagles emerged from a group that included reigning African champions and former continental winners.

He noted that Nigeria sealed qualification with two matches to spare despite being considered outsiders at the start of the campaign.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s failure to reach the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Amaju Pinnick said the Super Eagles were eliminated by Ghana on the away goals rule after two closely contested playoff matches.

He said he accepted responsibility for that outcome and maintained the same position now.

Amaju Pinnick said the 2018 qualification was achieved through intense preparation, discipline and resilience, which he described as decisive factors.

The former NFF president added that Nigeria’s pedigree and depth should have delivered qualification under the current World Cup structure.

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Nigeria is seeking a return to the World Cup after missing the Qatar 2022 tournament.