Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has expressed deep concern that Nigeria’s faltering campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup could mark the end of his dream to appear on football’s biggest stage.
At 28 and set to turn 29 in October, Aina admits that this World Cup cycle could be his last realistic chance to represent Nigeria at the global tournament.
The Super Eagles have failed to qualify for the last two editions, with their most recent setback coming in 2022 after a painful playoff defeat to arch-rivals Ghana.
Currently, Nigeria sits in fourth place in Group C of the African qualifiers, trailing six points behind group leaders South Africa.
With just four matches remaining, the pressure is mounting as the team faces an uphill battle to secure qualification.
Despite the odds, Aina remains hopeful but realistic. He emphasized the urgency for the team to win all remaining matches to stand a chance, acknowledging that anything less might crush his long-held ambition to play in a World Cup.
The Nottingham Forest defender had a standout season in the Premier League, playing a key role in the club’s impressive campaign which saw them narrowly miss out on a Champions League spot.
His form at club level has only strengthened his resolve to carry Nigeria to qualification.
However, Nigeria’s recent performances have sparked little confidence among fans and analysts, making the road to the 2026 tournament in the United States uncertain.
For Aina, it’s now or never — and the dream of donning the green and white on football’s grandest stage hangs in the balance.
