Segun Odegbami, a former Nigerian international, believes that the 2026 World Cup will give Africa a voice on the global stage.
In a speech on the “Role of Sports in Global Geo-Politics,” Odegbami asserted that sports had the power to neutralize the geopolitical games of the superpowers and win Africa the support needed for negotiations in a new world order.
Read more about South Africa holding Nigeria to a 1-1 draw as the team’s hopes for the World Cup are held.
“To ensure that Africa will have a voice at the 2026 World Cup, it is very important for the Super Eagles to qualify.” So, over to you, Victor Osimhen, Lookman Ademola, Troost William-Ekong, Tolu Arokodare, Simon Moses, Ola Aina, Tobi Amusan, Anthony Joshua, Ese Brume, and the others, the former football player said.
According to him, African athletes have established themselves as a leader in international competitions by putting money into the over $2 trillion global sports economy.  ,
Therefore, he urged African countries to speak out against injustice and equality in global sports.
“Africa must also emerge as a unique superpower,” Odegbami remarked.
Will anyone ever question what sports have to do with geopolitics if that were to happen? or whether the country’s economic gains won’t have an impact on the fish market’s local prices.
If necessary, Africa, led by Nigeria, must be prepared to revisit the resolute geopolitical alliance of 1976 and declare that we must all celebrate the liberties and equality of all people at the World Cup.
In this envisioned new world order, he continued, “The continent must rise with one voice and in one accord to confront such injustice at the table of civilisations.”
Odegbami retired from international football in 1981 after making 47 appearances between 1976 and 1981.
The winger, known as “Mathematical,” was well-known for his brilliant play and precise crosses.
Nigeria’s hopes for a 2026 World Cup were thwarted by the Super Eagles’ failure to secure maximum points on September 9, 2025 against South Africa in Bloemfontein.
Following a sanction against Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho, Nigeria is now four points ahead of Benin Republic and three points ahead of South Africa with two remaining matches to play.
The South Africans, who had previously led Group C, were awarded three points and three goals.
READ MORE: FIFA Sanctions South Africa For Fielding Ineligible Player In World Cup Qualifier
In the action from FIFA, Rwanda leads the group with 14 points, while Bafana Bafana is second with 14 points and second behind Benin Republic.
Source: Channels TV
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