Popular Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has cast doubts on the ability of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that the team lacks seriousness, direction, and technical leadership.
Speaking in a fresh message to the national team, Ayodele urged the players to improve their approach if they hope to secure a place in the global tournament. He expressed concern that the current squad is ill-prepared and could struggle against rivals in the qualifiers.
“Super Eagles, I want you to qualify for the World Cup,” Ayodele said. “But I’m afraid with this kind of team that we have, they are not serious. Looking at them, they are very unserious. They don’t have targets, they are not proactive.”
The cleric was particularly critical of the coaching setup, describing it as inadequate to inspire success. “The coach is not even good. He’s not even good,” he added bluntly.
Ayodele warned that Nigeria’s chances of qualifying would rely heavily on divine intervention rather than technical competence or tactical discipline. “If you go to the World Cup, it will be by the grace of God. Because I don’t know how we can win South Africa. Maybe by bribing, maybe by bribing South Africa, we win them,” he said.
The prophecy comes amid growing debate over the Super Eagles’ performances in the qualification series. The team recently edged Rwanda 1-0 in Uyo to revive their campaign, but doubts remain about consistency, creativity, and tactical organisation. Critics argue that the squad, despite being packed with individual talent, has failed to gel into a dominant force under current management.
Ayodele further cautioned that Nigeria risked embarrassing defeats, even against supposedly weaker opposition. “Even when Benin Republic come to our house here, if we are not serious, they can also win us. This is very serious and very, very serious,” he said.
The cleric’s remarks will resonate with many fans who have voiced frustration over the team’s lack of urgency in recent games. While the Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s most successful teams, boasting three Africa Cup of Nations titles and six World Cup appearances, qualification campaigns have often been plagued by inconsistency and late drama.
Football analysts note that with fixtures against South Africa, Benin Republic, and other tough sides still ahead, the road to the 2026 World Cup will test the resolve of both players and coaching staff. Ayodele’s warning could serve as a wake-up call to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to address tactical shortcomings, player discipline, and technical leadership before it is too late.
For now, Nigeria sits in a competitive group where every point counts. With pressure mounting, fans hope the team can silence critics and prove Ayodele’s prophecy wrong by rising to the occasion. But unless the issues he highlighted are resolved, the dream of seeing the Super Eagles soar in North America in 2026 may remain uncertain.
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