Mali’s national team head coach, Tom Saintfiet, has described the possibility of Nigeria’s Super Eagles missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a major shock and disappointment.

Speaking in an interview with AySuga Naija Lifestyle, Saintfiet labeled Nigeria as Africa’s best team over the past four years, insisting they must do everything to secure qualification.

“It will be sad if the strongest team in Africa doesn’t qualify. The Super Eagles are currently, not only now but for the last three or four years, the best team in Africa,” Saintfiet stated.

“With all due respect to their opponents, South Africa have a very good coach and a strong team, but Nigeria has so much quality.

“They must catch up on the points they lost because, in that group, I think they will qualify.”

The Super Eagles have struggled in their World Cup qualifying campaign, failing to win any of their first four matches.

They currently sit 5th in Group C, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, Benin Republic, and Lesotho.

Under newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria will look to turn their campaign around when they face Rwanda on Friday and Zimbabwe on Tuesday.