Nigerian football icon Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha remains optimistic about the Super Eagles’ chances of securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but insists that only a flawless performance going forward will keep the dream alive.

Despite a shaky start to the qualifiers, Okocha believes qualification is still within reach. However, he emphasizes that the team must take full responsibility and approach every remaining fixture with unwavering focus and determination.

The Super Eagles briefly reignited hope with a victory over Rwanda, but momentum stalled following a disappointing 1-1 draw at home against Zimbabwe. The result saw Nigeria slip to fourth place in their qualifying group, now trailing group leaders South Africa by six points.

Still, Okocha who proudly represented Nigeria at three World Cups isn’t ready to write the team off.

“If we want to give ourselves any chance of qualifying, we have to be thinking of winning all our remaining matches,” he told iDiski Times.

“Bafana Bafana are top of the group. It will be a tough game, but I believe we can go there and win. If we want to qualify, those are the games we need to win.”