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- Edafe Matthew has sparked outrage after calling the Super Eagles “the worst set of human beings” to represent Nigeria
- The Super Eagles sits third in Group C, with just two wins in eight matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers
- Nigeria’s World Cup hopes now depend on South Africa and Benin losing their remaining two games
Nigerian football fans are fed up, and so is veteran journalist Edafe Matthew.
The respected analyst did not mince words after the Super Eagles’ latest World Cup qualifier against South Africa in Bloemfontein.
Source: Getty Images
His outburst, calling the squad “the worst set of human beings” to ever represent Nigeria, has lit up debate across the country.
The frustration is understandable as Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against South Africa leaves them third in Group C, with just 11 points from eight games, as seen on FIFA.com.
With only two wins in the qualifiers so far, hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup seem to be over.
Nigerians are angry with the Super Eagles
Matthew’s comments were not a one-off rant, as they came after months of underwhelming performances, dropped points, and missed chances from the national team, Nigerian Eye reports.
Source: Twitter
Edafe’s words may have sounded extreme, but they captured a feeling many fans have struggled to express in recent months.
“This Super Eagles is the worst set of human beings that I have met in a collection in my entire life, these are the worst set of human beings that I’ve seen play football for Nigeria,” he said on X (formerly Twitter).
For a country with a rich football history, the 2026 World Cup qualifiers have felt like a step backwards for the Super Eagles.
The team’s inability to beat lower-ranked sides like Lesotho, Rwanda, or Zimbabwe has turned criticism into disbelief.
What do the numbers say?
The Super Eagles have won just two of their eight World Cup qualifying matches.
In a group they were expected to dominate, the three-time African champions are now chasing shadows as South Africa leads with 17 points. Benin sits second with 14. Nigeria? Stuck on 11, with two games left.
It’s not just about the result, it is the way the team has played under three different managers in Jose Peseiro, Finidi George, and currently Eric Chelle.
There’s no fire and no visible plan, and even with big-name players in the squad like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Nigeria has looked flat.
The road ahead for Nigeria
To have any chance of making it to the World Cup, Nigeria must win both remaining matches by convincing scorelines. That’s the easy part on paper, at least.
They also need South Africa to lose both of their remaining games and for Benin to drop points.
It’s a long shot, and the fans know it, but the real issue isn’t just about missing the World Cup, it’s about what this team represents right now.
Read also
FIFA releases list of teams sanctioned in World Cup qualifiers amid South Africa’s debacle
Super Eagles get World Cup lifeline
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that some of the teams in Group C, including Nigeria, have been calling on the world football governing body, FIFA, to sanction leaders South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, against Lesotho in 2023.
The Super Eagles can manoeuvre their way up with the withdrawal of Eritrea in Group E.
Source: Legit.ng
