By our reporter 9.11.2025
Former Super Eagles captain and midfield maestro Austin Jay Jay Okocha has tipped the Super Eagles to top the CAF qualification playoffs starting in Morocco Thursday.
The Super Eagles embarked on the long winding road to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after blowing their chances in a group they were tipped to win. South Africa clinched the ticket instead, but an exquisite performance against Benin Republic’s Cheetahs handed the Super Eagles a second chance.
Speaking on their chances Okocha said the team put themselves into the quagmire and only they could redeem themselves.
“Once there is a glimmer of hope, of course I will believe and that is the beauty of football,” Okocha said during a chat on “The Exchange” with Femi Soneye.
“Sometimes you have to do it the hard way. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
“I still trust this team; I still believe it’s possible. We put ourselves in this situation, and we are the only ones who can bring ourselves out of it.”
Based on their generous 4-0 win over Benin Republic, Okocha insists the team has players who churn out results and the players also know qualification will be good for their careers and make their fans happy.
“The thing is, the players feel it the most. It’s their job, they don’t have any other job at the moment, so of course they would all love to play in the World Cup.
“They also know how disappointed our fans would be if they don’t make it.
“From their last outing, you could see the desire to correct their mistakes. They have given us hope.”
