On Friday, Nigeria beat Lesotho 2-1 to keep our hopes of qualification for the 2026 World Cup alive.
As it stands, the Super Eagles need to beat Benin Republic by at least three goals and for Rwanda to draw or beat South Africa in their last match of the qualification series for any hope of qualifying for the tournament to be played in the United States (US), Mexico, and Canada.
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But like clockwork, Nigerians found themselves in a very similar position in October 2005 as they hoped for the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. At the time, Nigeria needed to beat Zimbabwe and hope Angola lost to Rwanda in the last match of the qualifying round to be in Germany the next year.
Curious to know what Nigerians thought of the country’s chances to pull it off, P.M. Sports asked random citizens if they thought Nigeria would qualify for their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance despite Angola holding the advantage. The October 5, 2005, publication of P.M. Sports, accessed by EKO HOT BLOG through archivi.ng, features the responses of various Nigerians at the time:
Samuel Ewize, businessman:
The possibility of Nigeria qualifying for the Germany 2006 World Cup is bright. The Super Eagles can make it if they defeat Zimbabwe with a wide goal margin. We drew 1–1 with Angola before we lost 0–1 at home, but we can still qualify if we beat Zimbabwe convincingly and Angola falls in Kigali.
Uchegbu Obinna, accountant:
The Super Eagles will definitely qualify for the World Cup. I have confidence in the coaches and players. My prayer is that Angola should fall in Kigali so that we can clinch the group’s ticket to the World Cup next year. There is no doubt about it, Nigeria will beat Zimbabwe this weekend.
Charity Chukwugbu, student:
I am optimistic that Nigeria will be in Germany next year. We have players who are in good form to defeat the Zimbabweans. I strongly believe that with God, all things are possible. So I believe God will help Nigeria to grab the group’s World Cup ticket. I see the Eagles playing in Germany by the grace of God.
Chukwuma Benson, GSM operator:
Why not? Nigeria can still qualify for the World Cup in Germany next year. There is no assurance that Angola will defeat Rwanda in Kigali. Don’t forget that the Rwandans have never lost their qualifiers at home. It is my prayer that the Angolans should fall in Kigali.
Samson Leke, footballer:
By the grace of God, Nigeria would be in Germany next year for the World Cup finals. Angola will fall in Kigali. Though the situation is very dicey, only a miracle can help us out. However, I’m optimistic that we will qualify.
Ogechi Chika, student:
Nigeria cannot afford to lose the World Cup ticket to Angola. The world is waiting to see the outcome of this weekend’s matches. Our eyes are on the Super Eagles to do their best, while we pray for Angola to lose in Rwanda. I pray all the time for the success of the Eagles.
Michael Ajueze, businessman:
I believe Nigeria will qualify for the World Cup finals in Germany next year. I foresee the fall of Angola in Kigali, while Nigeria will beat Zimbabwe with a wide margin in Abuja.
Emeka Uwaeboka, footballer:
Nigeria is going to make it to the World Cup despite the threat posed by Angola. Mark my words, we will definitely qualify for Germany 2006 by Saturday.
Tunde Eze, businessman:
My apprehension is not about the match between Nigeria and Zimbabwe in Abuja; it is about the outcome of the Rwanda and Angola game. To be honest, we lost the World Cup ticket the very day we drew 1-1 with Angola in Kano. Had it been we won that game, we would be celebrating our qualification by now. All the same, all hope is not lost. We can still be in Germany next year if we win our match against Zimbabwe and Angola falls short in Kigali. Anything short of that will see Nigeria losing the World Cup ticket.
Nnabuika Omwe, okada rider:
My brother, we must be in Germany 2006. I don’t care about Angola’s threat. What I know is that we have players who can make the continent proud at the World Cup. I want to call on all Nigerians to support the Eagles against Zimbabwe on Saturday.
Mrs. Ogunsesan Felicia, mistress:
We have what it takes to be at the World Cup finals in Germany next year because we have the potential to take us there. Though Nigeria is in a tight corner in the group, I believe with God all things are possible. This is the time we should unite and pray for the Super Eagles.
Kunle Makinde, technician:
To me, it is only prayer that can make us get the World Cup ticket because anything can happen in Kigali. However, I am optimistic that Angola will lose to Rwanda at home. The best they can get in Kigali is a draw, and that is good news for us. Nigeria is number one in Africa, and it will be disastrous for Nigerians to see their country missing out on the World Cup.
FURTHER READING
The Super Eagles eventually failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup. While the predictions of a big victory came to pass as Nigeria beat Zimbabwe 5-1, hopes of an Angola loss never panned out as they beat Rwanda away 1-0. Although both teams finished with 21 points and Nigeria had a superior, Angola went through due to a superior head-to-head record.
Philip Ibitoye is a Special Correspondent with EKO HOT BLOG. Click here to find daily analysis and critical insight on trending issues in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
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