Nigerian football legend, Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, has expressed concern over the current state of the Super Eagles as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs. According to him, the team no longer carries the intimidating presence they once had on the African continent.

Okocha explained that there was a time when opponents feared facing Nigeria because of the quality, energy, and confidence the team played with. However, he believes that the squad has struggled to show the same level of dominance in recent years, making other teams feel more confident against them.

He stressed that Nigeria must rediscover its winning mentality, strengthen teamwork, and show hunger on the pitch if they want to secure a World Cup ticket. Okocha urged the players to take responsibility, play with pride, and give fans a team they can believe in again.

The former captain added that talent alone is not enough to win games — commitment, discipline, and hard work are key. He encouraged the Super Eagles to rise to the challenge and restore fear in the hearts of opponents.