Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi has insisted that the team can still earn a berth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, NEWSUNPLUG reports.
The Super Eagles currently occupy third position in Group C with 11 points from eight games.
Eric Chelle’s side are poised to take on the Crocodiles of Lesotho, and Squirrels of Benin Republic in their last two games in the qualifying series.
They will be guests of Lesotho at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane on Friday.
The Super Eagles will round up their qualifying campaign with a home fixture against Benin Republic next week Tuesday.
Mikel said the players must take responsibility, and fight for the nation.
“It’s going to be a crime, an absolute crime, if Nigeria doesn’t make it to the World Cup again,” Mikel said on the ObiOne Podcast.
“We love our football too much. Our World Cup fate is in the players’ hands. They have to win these two games—no excuses.”