Super Eagles: When Disappointment Becomes a Blessing

By Segun Odegbami

There are two universal truths I hold dear: Never curse the darkness, for hidden within it are treasures. Behind every disappointment lies a blessing.

Last Tuesday night in Uyo, the Super Eagles, with their backs against the wall, finally cracked open their shell. What emerged was the faint outline of a new team, one not just for the moment, but for the immediate future.

It was a hard-earned victory, sealed by a divinely timed last-minute goal. But more than the win, what Nigeria gained was a new path carved by fate: a two-phased playoff route to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the African Cup of Nations in Morocco nestled in between.

At first glance, this route appears long and treacherous, littered with formidable opponents. But for those who dare to look deeper, it may well be the more rewarding path, a crucible through which greatness is forged.

Echoes of 1993
I am reminded of 1993. I was not just a witness but an active participant in the drama that led to USA ’94. Nigerian players were just beginning to flood European leagues, adjusting to the rigors of top-tier football.

Our Technical Adviser, Clemens Westerhof, was an unheralded Dutch coach, flanked by former internationals Christian Chukwu and Bitrus Bewarang.

After early setbacks, Westerhof began to understand the Nigerian footballer, how to motivate him, how to harness his raw talent. We had time: training camps, friendly matches, and a steady buildup through AFCON in Tunisia, World Cup qualifiers, and finally, the tournament in the United States.

Most importantly, we had balance, a blend of seasoned veterans and electrifying young talent. That mix birthed one of Nigeria’s greatest teams.

A New Cycle Begins
The current Super Eagles lacked those ingredients, until now. What we saw in Uyo was the beginning of something special. The upcoming playoffs and AFCON offer the perfect platform to blend this squad into a cohesive, formidable unit.

I see the reincarnation of 1993 in Victor Osimhen’s tenacity, Ademola Lookman’s flair, Olakunle Olusegun’s blistering pace, Calvin Bassey’s grit, Benjamin Frederick’s promise, and the versatility of Ola Aina, Onyeka, and Arokodare. These players could form the nucleus of a team that not only qualifies but excels on the world stage.

Building Blocks for Success
In 1993, I served as Team Manager, responsible for the players’ welfare, logistics, and morale. As a former captain, I was trusted and respected. That structure, that attention to detail, was vital.

Today, the welfare of the players is secure. President Bola Tinubu’s administration has shown a clear commitment to supporting the team. The coach must now focus on technical refinement, especially in goalkeeping, where a safer pair of hands is urgently needed. Sentiment must give way to strategy.

The Blessing in the Challenge
Had Nigeria qualified easily, the urgency to build a solid team might have been absent. This tougher route demands resilience, introspection, and growth. It forces us to confront our weaknesses and discover the hidden treasures buried in recent disappointments.

I believe this is the best possible preparation for the Super Eagles. If they navigate the playoffs wisely, they will arrive at the World Cup not just as participants, but as contenders, peaking at the perfect moment.

That is my interpretation. That is my expectation. That is my hope. That is my dream. And I pray I am right.

This article first appeared on Saturday in major Nigerian newspapers