Sport
Osayi-Samuel Says Super Eagles Can Still Qualify for 2026 World Cup if They Stay United
Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has expressed confidence that Nigeria still has a strong shot at qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the slow start to their qualifying campaign.
Speaking to journalists during the final of the second edition of the Bright Osayi Football Tournament for under-13 players, held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the Fenerbahçe star shared his belief in the team’s ability to bounce back.
According to him, the players are determined to fight for qualification and are fully behind head coach Eric Chelle’s vision. “I believe we can still make it. The goal is to go out and win every match,” Osayi-Samuel said. “It won’t be easy, but we believe in ourselves and the team.”
He added that with the right mindset and unity, the Super Eagles can turn their situation around. The Nigerian international also praised Chelle, describing him as a brilliant coach whose style the team has embraced. “For me, the coach is doing a great job. His approach, the way he wants us to press and run, the entire team is on board with it,” he explained.
Osayi-Samuel pointed to their recent solid performance against a tough Russian side, mentioning that progress is being made. “In our last match against Russia, we held our ground against a team that had gone unbeaten in six or seven games. If we keep pushing together, I believe we have a real chance,” he concluded.
Head coach of Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone, speaks on team defense and called out a player who needs to toughen up. He shared that Ademola Lookman needs to work on defense.
“Ademola Lookman arrived with great enthusiasm and desire to keep growing. We need him to add defensive work to what he already gives us offensively, because he has that ability,” he then added.
“He’s shown it with the Nigeria national team, and we need him in that role.”
Former football legend Paul Merson states that Mohammad Salah is the greatest winger of all time.
While also praising Bukayo Saka for being the winger in form right now.
When asked in a recent interview, he stated “For the best right now, it’s probably [Bukayo] Saka for his all-around game. I will go Salah, because the numbers he’s put up are ridiculous.”
Former player Paul Merson shares his predictions on this weekend’s Premier League games.
He shared Leeds United vs Manchester City – Prediction: Leeds 1-1 Manchester City.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace – Prediction: Manchester United 3-0 Crystal Palace.
Arsenal vs Chelsea – Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea.
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