Okocha, however, stressed that the Super Eagles players created the playoff situation and bear the responsibility of fixing it.
By Kehinde Okeowo .
Pundit and Nigerian football legend, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, has expressed optimism that the Super Eagles can book a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He affirmed his confidence that Nigeria can still qualify for the tournament recently while featuring on the latest episode of The Exchange with Femi Soneye.
Nigeria, after coming second in their group during the qualifiers, will face Gabon on Thursday at the Hide Moulay Hassan Stadium in Morocco in a World Cup playoff game.
The winner of the encounter will then square up against the winner of the game between DR Congo and Cameroon for a place to represent Africa in the inter-continental playoff for a World Cup ticket.
While commenting on the highly consequential encounter, Okocha expressed belief that Eric Chelle’s side will qualify for the World.
He, however, stressed that the Super Eagles players created the playoff situation and bear the responsibility of fixing it.
The former Bolton Wanderers midfielder said, “Once there is a glimmer of hope, of course I will believe, and that is the beauty of football.
“I still trust this team; I still believe it is possible [Nigeria qualify for the World Cup]. We put ourselves in this situation, and we are the only ones who can bring ourselves out of it.
“From their last outing, you could see the desire to correct their mistakes. They’ve given us hope.”
