Despite sitting fifth in Group C with only three points, Gabriel Osho believes Nigeria’s quality can spark a late resurgence in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Super Eagles defender Gabriel Osho has expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the odds stacked against the three-time African champions.
The Super Eagles have endured a challenging campaign in the qualifiers, with four draws and one loss, earning only three points after five games. This run places them fifth in African World Cup qualifying Group C, with the team at risk of missing back-to-back World Cup editions following their absence in 2022.
However, Nigeria recently gained momentum and secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a game to spare. Osho believes this highlights the team’s quality and ability to turn the tides in the World Cup qualifiers.
“I think maybe we just set our focus now towards the World Cup qualifiers coming up and then also the AFCON,” the AJ Auxerre central defender told Flashscore.
“I think we have a good enough team. The quality of the team is probably the best in Africa. So now it’s time to show that on the big stage.”
“I think we need to play the way that we can play and just play to our abilities, and I think we’ll get there. Obviously, the qualification is a bit longer in this format, so we have time. We have games to turn it around. Everyone’s really desperate to play in the World Cup.
“I’m sure that we’ll do everything that we can, and God willing, we’ll achieve the qualification,” Osho concluded.
Born in Reading, England, Osho became eligible to represent Nigeria through his parents. Despite pledging allegiance to the Super Eagles in 2023, injuries and selection delays prevented his debut until November 2024.
“I think the NFF reached out the summer Luton got promoted — that was the summer of 2023. But they just said they were interested and looking,” Osho explained.
“Unfortunately, I was injured from the start of that season until October or September. So I wasn’t really available for the first two selections of that season.”
Osho made his debut with a starting appearance for Nigeria during the AFCON qualifier against Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on November 14, 2024.
“It was special. I didn’t know too much about the feeling of playing international football,” the former Luton Town defender shared.
“It was my first taste of being in an international camp, and not only to go to the camp but also to play. It was very special and overwhelming — just a proud moment for me and my family.
“In the first couple of days, I was just trying to get to grips with everything because I find it a bit awkward just talking to people I haven’t met before, but everyone was really welcoming.”
Osho also featured in Nigeria’s year-ending loss to Rwanda on November 18.
The 26-year-old is enjoying his 2024/25 season with Auxerre, having featured in 12 Ligue 1 games with an average of 75% minutes played per match.
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