Speaking with Sporty TV, the Chelsea great appealed to Nigerians to show patience with their national team, stressing that the Super Eagles’ participation on football’s biggest stage is vital not only for Africa but for global football.
“It would be nice if they qualify because to have Nigeria in a World Cup is very important for Africa,” Drogba said. “But if they don’t qualify, the team that would be representing us, we will be proud to support.”
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes remain alive despite a turbulent qualifying campaign. The three-time African champions finished second in Group C with 17 points — one behind South Africa, who clinched the automatic qualification ticket after a 3–0 win over Rwanda in Mbombela.
The Super Eagles rekindled their qualification hopes with a commanding 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo, a performance that drew praise across the continent.
Under coach Eric Chelle, the team will face Gabon in the semi-finals on November 13, with the winner advancing to meet either Cameroon or DR Congo in a decisive intercontinental playoff spot battle scheduled for Mexico in March 2026.
Drogba, however, defended the Super Eagles amid growing criticism following their recent struggles, reminding fans that the team remains one of the continent’s elite sides.
“You know, if Nigeria had won the African Cup of Nations, you wouldn’t even be saying that. But that’s football; it doesn’t mean your team is not good,” he noted. “They were in the final. You were supporting them all through the campaign, and then all of a sudden, they lose — then finish! They’re so bad; they criticise them from right to left. It’s always like that in Africa. You finish 2nd, and it’s like Chelsea finishing 2nd in the Premier League — like it doesn’t count.”
The former Ivory Coast captain praised the current generation of Nigerian players, saying their AFCON achievement should be celebrated rather than condemned.
“That’s the level of expectation because you have won before,” Drogba added. “I think the team is good. You have Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman — they won the last two Ballon d’Ors. You have a team that can perform. But you also have opposition — you think the other teams, because it’s Nigeria, are just going to sit and watch?”