Veteran journalist and former Senior Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reuben Abati, has criticized Nigeria’s Super Eagles for their lackluster performance against Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier held on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Abati remarked that the Super Eagles appeared to develop “elephantiasis” after striker Victor Osimhen put Nigeria ahead in the 74th minute.
earlier Nigeria played to a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe, with Osimhen’s goal giving the team a lead, only for Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa to equalize in the 90th minute.
The draw left the Super Eagles in fourth place in Group C, trailing behind leaders South Africa.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Abati lamented that the disappointing performance has left Nigerians resorting to mathematical calculations to determine their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
He noted that former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung had previously pointed out Nigeria’s struggles in international competitions, attributing them to poor administration, weak leadership, and the scrapping of the Ministry of Sports in favor of the National Sports Commission.
Abati questioned why Nigeria continually finds itself in such precarious situations, highlighting how the Super Eagles failed to defend their lead for just 16 minutes.
“We had the advantage after Osimhen’s goal, yet the team lost focus, allowing Zimbabwe—who came with a determined mindset—to equalize in stoppage time,” he said.
Despite the setback, Abati expressed hope that Nigeria still has a chance to turn things around in the final four qualification matches against Rwanda and South Africa in September.
“Rwanda has shown they are serious, South Africa is not taking things lightly, and Zimbabwe proved they didn’t come to Uyo for a vacation. Meanwhile, our Super Eagles, who were kept in camp to focus, lost concentration and embarrassed the nation,” he added.
While advocating for sportsmanship, Abati acknowledged how difficult it is for Nigerians to accept the possibility of missing out on the 2026 World Cup.