2026 WCQ: “Nigeria does not need big name players to succeed” - Martins

Photo Credit - Nigeria Football Federation.

Nigeria is blessed with array of talents who are spread across top European club and playing regularly every week.

However, the Super Eagles have sometimes struggled at major tournaments despite placing second at the last Africa Cup of Nations to host nation, Ivory Coast.

The three time African champions are currently panting for breath in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers where they sit 4th on 7 points after six rounds of qualifying games. They are six points behind leaders South Africa and one away from Rwanda and Benin in Group C.

Notwithstanding the plethora of stars in the Super Eagles squad, former international, Obafemi Martins believes Nigeria needs a collective effort rather than big name players to succeed.

Speaking on the Football Fanstribe show, the former Inter Milan striker said that while Nigeria has plenty of talented players today, they aren’t playing as a team.

“At that time, we had a team but now the team is not actually there,” Martins said. “The names are there, but the team isn’t there. Osimhen as a striker is doing his, Ademola Lookman is doing his, but we need collective team effort.

“We need to play together. Osimhen can score 100 goals, and if we don’t go anywhere, it’s like the goals are nothing.”

Despite big names like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman the winners of the last two CAF African Player of the Year awards, Nigeria is struggling in their current World Cup qualification campaign.

After a disappointing set of results, including a shock loss to Benin Republic, Nigeria is at serious risk of missing consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments. With just four games left to play, the Super Eagles have left themselves with a mountain to climb.