Joseph Yobo Speaks on Nigeria's Odds for the 2026 World Cup
Joseph Yobo, the ex-captain of the Super Eagles, has encouraged Nigerians not to lose faith in the national team’s prospects for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even though they currently find themselves in a difficult spot within the qualifiers.
At the side event during the William Troost-Ekong Charity Match at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, Yobo emphasized that the competition remains intense and urged supporters to keep backing the squad.
Currently, Nigeria ranks fourth in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifiers, having accumulated seven points out of six matches—a full six points behind group leaders South Africa, which lead the table with 13 points. Given that only four games remain, the Super Eagles have to secure victories in every match left to realistically hope for qualification to the event set to occur in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
It’s a challenging environment, yet there’s still hope," Yobo stated. "We have faced similar situations before. This squad needs to secure victories. They should remain cohesive, keep their concentration, and most importantly, realize that the focus now isn’t on playing attractive soccer; it’s about securing outcomes.
The ex-Everton center-back highlighted the significance of maintaining consistency and building mental fortitude, warning that additional mistakes might jeopardize Nigeria's chances of qualifying. "Should we lose any more points within this group stage, our prospects will be severely impacted," he cautioned.
Yobo, who previously assisted the Super Eagles under ex-manager Gernot Rohr, showed faith in the present team. "I have trust in these players. I've been working closely with them and am aware of their potential. Difficult circumstances can sometimes jolt a team into action. Let’s hope they step up."
In the upcoming fixtures, Nigeria plans to host Rwanda and travel to play South Africa in September. The last two qualifying matches will take place in October, involving an away game against Lesotho and a home match against the Benin Republic.
Regarding his coaching prospects, Yobo expressed ambiguity, stating that although he has explored the possibility, he isn’t entirely convinced about going back to the sidelines just now.
I've experimented with coaching, yet I didn't find it wholly motivating," he confessed. "Throughout my time as a player, I held leadership roles such as being a team captain, but coaching has not proven compelling enough for me to dedicate myself completely. There must be improvements made within the structure to entice ex-players like myself to return to the sport in a coaching role.
Yobo looked back on his stint with Everton in the English Premier League as a pivotal period that shaped much of his life.
I had an incredible tenure of nine years at Goodison Park. The venue is filled with numerous memories for me, from the locker rooms to the field. Receiving an invitation to the unveiling of their new stadium brought up strong emotions, despite my inability to attend. As football progresses, I'm glad Everton is transitioning to a larger and more advanced site.
Even though he is currently removed from the coaching world, Yobo continues to be a revered figure in Nigerian soccer. His opinions remain influential as the Super Eagles gear up for a crucial stage in their quest to qualify for the World Cup.
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