'Be Patriotic on the Pitch,' Pinnick Urges Super Eagles

…Ex-NFF boss urges players to give their best against Lesotho, backs team to qualify for 2026 World Cup

Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President and FIFA Vice Chairman for Men’s National Teams Competitions, Amaju Pinnick, has charged the Super Eagles to show patriotism, discipline, and total commitment when they face Lesotho in Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Pinnick called on the players to represent Nigeria with pride and match the energy they display for their clubs when donning the national colours.

“Be patriotic on the pitch. Represent Nigeria well, build confidence, and put in your all for your country — because no other person will do it but you,” Pinnick urged.

“Give us your best. The same efforts you put in your clubs, reciprocate for your country against Lesotho on Friday.”

‘Captain is the Coach on the Pitch’

Addressing the leadership role of the team captain, Pinnick reminded him of his responsibility to guide the players and ensure tactical discipline during the match.

“As a captain, you are the coach on the pitch. Forget about the coach outside — coordinate your players to win the game, but still listen to the coach because both of you know what to do,” he said.

Pinnick Confident in Eagles’ World Cup Chances

Despite the Super Eagles’ shaky start to the qualifying campaign, Pinnick expressed strong belief that the team would secure a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

“It’s when people stop believing in Nigeria that the team usually excels,” he noted. “I’m in touch with the players; they all want to be in America for the World Cup, and I’m sure they’ll give their best to qualify.”

Reflects on His Tenure as NFF President

Responding to comparisons between his administration and the current NFF leadership, Pinnick said his tenure was marked by turbulence and distractions but also by notable progress in Nigerian football.

“My tenure was very turbulent and full of distractions, but in spite of that, we took football from zero to the peak — in terms of funding and technical development,” he said.

“We gave Nigeria global recognition and focused on the future potential of Nigerian football.”

While acknowledging the disappointment of missing the 2022 World Cup, Pinnick highlighted his administration’s success in leading Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup, which he described as the toughest qualification campaign.

“We qualified Nigeria for the 2018 World Cup from the toughest group, and we got it right from the beginning. In all, I don’t think we did badly,” he added.

Crucial Clash Ahead

The Super Eagles are currently camped in Polokwane, South Africa, ahead of Friday’s qualifier against Lesotho. The match is crucial to Nigeria’s quest to regain momentum and secure an early lead in the race for the 2026 World Cup ticket.

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