Taye Taiwo Says Victor Osimhen Alone Can’t Lead Nigeria to 2026 World Cup
- Super Eagles legend Taye Taiwo has thrown his weight behind Nigeria ahead of their double 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
- The former Nigeria U20 star believes there is too much pressure on Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen in the current squad
- Nigeria will face Rwanda and South Africa in crucial World Cup qualifiers on September 6 and 9
Taye Taiwo has shared his thoughts on the current squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier matches.
Nigeria secured their first win against Rwanda 2-0, with Victor Osimhen scoring a brace at the Amahoro Stadium last March.
Super Eagles are have recorded one win in five matches, with three coaches handling the team from 2024 to date, per Punch.
Source: Getty Images
Osimhen can only score with the right passes - Taiwo
Former Super Eagles left-back Taye Taiwo said Nigerians can only see the best from Victor Osimhen if the players give him the right passes.
Speaking in an exclusive comment with Legit.ng, the Olympique Marseille legend explained that during his era, his teammates could identify strikers who could turn games around during crucial periods.
The former Nigeria U20 star said his teammates avoid distractions while playing for the senior national team. Taiwo said:
“The most important thing for us when we're playing is that we had the opportunity. We knew the players with the quality to score.
“You can't just say only Osimhen is going to score in this current Super Eagles because if you don't serve him with the right passes, he's not going to score.
“So for us, when we were playing, we knew exactly what to do. We don't care about what’s happening from the outside, the most important thing is to win the game because the next game is always important as the last."
Source: Getty Images
We have to win our remaining matches - Taiwo
Former Nigeria international Taye Taiwo said he desires to see the country qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Taiwo said the players of the previous era played with total commitment, irrespective of the result of the matches.
He urged the Super Eagles players to get the maximum three points against Rwanda on Saturday, September 6, at Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
“I really hope they qualify [for World Cup]. The difference between the Super Eagles of our time and the present is that when we're playing, we gave 100 per cent when we play, regardless if we win or we lose.
“For me, my advice to the team is to just win these last games. You don't need to think about anything else.
“Just go out on the field, and even though you play a sh_t game, just get three points, it's very important.”
Nigeria have a total of seven points from six matches, trailing South Africa, who sit on top of Group C with 13 points, per FIFA.com.
Ekong issues statement ahead of qualifiers
Legit.ng earlier reported that Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has sent a powerful message to Nigerians ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier matches.
The captain confirmed that all players had reported to camp, and they had a full-house training session on Wednesday evening at his home state stadium.
Source: Legit.ng
