‘ Nigeria will qualify for 2026 World Cup’ – U-23 Eagles striker Edidiong Ezekiel predicts

U-23 Eagles striker, Edidiong Ezekiel has predicted that Nigeria will return to winning ways and qualify for the 2026 World Cup. SportsRation reports.

Edidiong Ezekiel who was part of the home-based Super Eagles squad that faced world-cup bound Costa Rica in an international friendly game in November 2022 is convinced Nigeria will not miss the 2026 World cup.

Recall that Nigeria made a poor start to the 2026 World Cup qualifying series with 1-1 draws vs Lesotho and Zimbabwe to occupy third place in group C behind South Africa and Rwanda.

This has raised questions over Nigeria’s hopes of qualification, amidst memories of missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.

In a post shared on his facebook handle on Wednesday, November 22, U-23 Eagles striker, Edidiong Ezekiel who currently plays for Akwa United FC in the Nigeria Premier Football League is backing Nigeria to bounce back to winning ways.

” I am confident the Super Eagles will bounce back to winning ways and qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ” Edidiong Ezekiel wrote.

” Playing at world cup is every footballers dream – same excitement cheering the country at the world’s grandest football event means to the fans. ”

Edidiong has represented Nigeria at U-17, U-23 and the home-based Super Eagles.

The versatile forward has played for clubs like Cofine FC, Ibom Youths FC, Dakkada FC, Remo Stars from where he joined Akwa United FC in the last transfer window.

For the Super Eagles of Nigeria, attention will shift to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast.

After the AFCON, the World Cup qualifying series will resume in June 2024.

Nigeria will host South Africa on matchday three in a game that will be key to the teams chances of qualification.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by USA, Mexico, and Canada with a record-setting 48-teams participating.