Nigeria's presence at the World Cup is important for Africa - Drogba

Ivorian football icon Didier Drogba has highlighted the importance of Nigeria's qualification for the 2026 World Cup, calling the Super Eagles one of the continent's most vital teams.

Nigeria's path to the World Cup has been a challenging one. After a slow start in their qualifying group, the Super Eagles finished second in Group C with 17 points, just one point behind South Africa, which secured the automatic qualification spot. South Africa sealed their place with a decisive 3-0 victory over Rwanda in their final match.

Worry for Super Eagles as defender struggles to regain fitness

Despite the initial setbacks, the Super Eagles demonstrated their potential with a commanding 4-0 win against the Benin Republic in their last qualifier in Uyo. This victory has kept their hopes of reaching the tournament alive, albeit through a more difficult route.

In an interview with Sporty TV, Drogba called for patience from Nigerian supporters, emphasising the global importance of the three-time African champions participating in the World Cup.

"It would be nice if they qualify because to have Nigeria in a World Cup is very important for Africa," Drogba said.

He added, "But if they don’t qualify, the team that would be representing us, we will be proud to support."

Just like Chelsea — Drogba explains why Nigerians should reduce Super Eagles criticism

The Chelsea legend also came to the defence of the Super Eagles, who have faced heavy criticism following their loss in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

"If Nigeria had won the African Cup of Nations, you wouldn’t even be saying that. But that’s football. They were in the final. You were supporting them all through the campaign and then all of a sudden they lose, then finish! They’re so bad, they criticise them from right to left, and it’s always like that in Africa," Drogba explained.

He drew a parallel to club football, adding, "You finish 2nd, it’s like Chelsea finishing 2nd in the Premier League. Like it doesn’t count."

Drogba insisted that reaching the AFCON final is a significant accomplishment and that the current generation of Nigerian players, featuring stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, deserves respect rather than condemnation.

"That’s the level of expectation because you have won before. So I think the team is good. You have Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman. I mean, you have a team that can perform, but then you have opposition. You think the other team, because it’s Nigeria, they’re gonna sit like this?" he said.

Nigeria is now set to face Gabon in a semi-final playoff on November 13. A win in that match would lead to a showdown against either Cameroon or DR Congo for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs, scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico.