Kaita urges Eagles to turn W’Cup pain into AFCON drive

Former Super Eagles midfielder Sani Kaita has urged Nigeria to use the disappointment of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup as motivation in their bid to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Kaita believes the Eagles have enough quality to secure qualification and challenge for the continental title when the tournament is held in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

“As Nigerians, we expect the Super Eagles to show their strength and qualify for the AFCON. We have the quality to do it, and we should use the disappointment of missing the World Cup as motivation,” Kaita said.

Nigeria will begin their qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29. They are drawn in Group L alongside the two countries and co-host Tanzania, who are already guaranteed a place at the tournament.

Kaita, who represented Nigeria at the 2010 World Cup and the 2006 and 2010 AFCON tournaments, believes qualification should only be the first objective for the Eagles.

“It is not only about qualifying. Nigeria has the quality to compete for the AFCON title, and that should be the target,” he added.

The Eagles will begin a new competitive cycle under coach Eric Chelle, with Kaita hoping the disappointment of missing the World Cup can spur the team to a strong AFCON qualifying campaign and a serious challenge for the continental crown.

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