Nigeria’s Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has said poor start to 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying will never happen again, emphasising a focused approach and the need to build momentum from the opening game of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar.
2026 World Cup Qualifying Heartbreak
The Super Eagles missed the 2026 World Cup (their second consecutive absence), partly after a difficult early phase of qualifying that left them needing a strong recovery and ultimately falling short (including via playoffs).
Responding to a question about the importance of starting well (noting the previous campaign’s weak early home results and overall World Cup miss), Ndidi said the team knows the experiences of the last World Cup qualifying effort.
Ndidi described the start as “really, really poor, really bad” and stressed: “And it will never happen again because this is a focused team. We are planning to set the momentum… because the first game is the most important game in every competition. This is qualifiers, but the first game sets the momentum. So it gives us the confidence to go for the other games coming… We’re ready for it and everyone is focused for it.”
Also Read: AFCON 2027Q: Chelle Gives Reason For Okoye’s Super Eagles Absence
He also highlighted that the first game is crucial, that the players are ready to give their best, and that the side must focus on itself and collect as many points as possible rather than external pressure or permutations.
Past Meetings Between Super Eagles And Madagascar
The last time the Super Eagles faced Madagascar was in the final group game at the 2019 AFCON which the Barea won 2-0.
However, the Super Eagles have the upper hand when it comes to AFCON qualifiers, as the three-time continental champions have won three and drawn one in four previous clashes.
By James Agberebi
1 Comment
Chelle should open his eyes and focus on discipline if we must achieve greatness. This one that is wearing earrings has been assuring us for ages. He can not even start at a Turkish club yet he is a confirmed starting midfielder in Nigeria without a goal or shot on target in 2 years. At most he should not be allowed to venture forward and be wasting attacking moves that he doesn’t possess.