Pinnick Claims Eagles Would Have Qualified Under His Watch

Former Nigerian Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick has reacted to the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Pinnick, who led the NFF from 2014 to 2022, said the disappointment would not have happened if he had remained in charge. He noted Africa now has ten slots.

Speaking on Sunday Oliseh’s Global Football Insights show, Pinnick said, “I didn't see it coming because ten teams from Africa will qualify…” while recalling Nigeria’s tough route to Russia 2018. Reflecting on the 2022 playoff loss to Ghana, he said, “We didn't win, but we didn't lose… knocked out by the away goal rules.”

Pinnick stressed, “For the 2026 World Cup, if I were there, definitely, Nigeria would have qualified.” He also praised NFF president Gusau, despite recent mixed results nationwide.