Former Super Eagles player Sani Kaita has called on Nigeria to turn the sorrow of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup into motivation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. This was reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.
Kaita believes the Eagles have what it takes to qualify and fight for the title when the tournament happens in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
“As Nigerians, we expect the Super Eagles to show their strength and qualify for the AFCON. We have the quality to do it, and we should use the disappointment of missing the World Cup as motivation,” Kaita said.
Nigeria's qualifying matches will kick off against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25. They will then head to Guinea-Bissau on September 29. Nigeria is in Group L with Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, along with Tanzania, who has already qualified for the tournament.
Kaita, who played for Nigeria at the 2010 World Cup and the AFCON tournaments in 2006 and 2010, pointed out that just qualifying is not enough for the Eagles.
“It is not only about qualifying. Nigeria has the quality to compete for the AFCON title, and that should be the target,” he added.
The Eagles will start a new competitive journey under coach Eric Chelle. Kaita is hopeful that the pain of missing the World Cup will motivate the team for a strong AFCON qualifying campaign and a serious bid for the continental title.
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