As the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to captivate football fans across the globe, former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has cautioned against rushing to declare any nation the tournament favourite, insisting that the competition remains wide open despite several impressive performances in the opening stages.
The former Nigeria international, who played a key role in the Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and represented the country at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, believes the race for football’s most coveted trophy is only beginning to unfold.
Speaking amid growing discussions over which nation is best positioned to lift the World Cup trophy, Onazi argued that the early rounds of the tournament rarely provide a complete picture of what lies ahead. According to him, history has repeatedly shown that teams capable of dominating group-stage matches are not always the ones celebrating at the end of the competition.
The expanded World Cup, being hosted across United States, Canada and Mexico, has already delivered thrilling encounters, surprise results and standout individual performances. However, Onazi believes the true test of championship credentials begins when teams enter the pressure-filled knockout rounds.
According to the former Lazio midfielder, football fans often become carried away by early victories and eye-catching scorelines, forgetting that tournaments are won through consistency, mental strength and tactical adaptability over several weeks of competition.
His comments come at a time when traditional football giants such as Argentina, Brazil, France, Spain, England and Germany are all being mentioned among the strongest contenders for the title.
Many supporters have pointed to the quality displayed by these nations in their opening matches, but Onazi believes football has evolved significantly, making it increasingly difficult to predict tournament outcomes.
Growing Strength of Emerging Nations
One of the key reasons Onazi remains cautious about naming a favourite is the remarkable improvement seen among emerging football nations in recent years.
Across Africa, Asia, North America and parts of Europe, investment in youth development, coaching education and football infrastructure has helped close the gap between established powers and traditional underdogs.
As a result, teams once considered easy opponents are now capable of producing major upsets on the world’s biggest stage.
The former midfielder noted that the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams has provided greater opportunities for nations from different regions to showcase their abilities. Rather than weakening the quality of the tournament, he believes the larger format has increased competitiveness and added fresh excitement to the competition.
Several lesser-known teams have already demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline, proving that reputation alone is no longer enough to guarantee success.
Messi Continues to Inspire
Onazi also reserved special praise for Lionel Messi, whose performances continue to attract global attention despite being in the latter stages of his legendary career.
The Argentine captain remains one of the most influential figures at the tournament and has once again shown his ability to inspire teammates and influence crucial matches.
For Onazi, Messi’s continued excellence highlights the importance of experience at major tournaments. While young stars often capture headlines with their energy and flair, seasoned players frequently provide the leadership and composure needed to navigate difficult moments.
The Nigerian football icon described Messi as a player whose presence alone can alter the dynamics of a match, adding that the Argentine legend remains one of the biggest attractions of the tournament.
Knockout Stage Will Reveal True Contenders
While acknowledging the quality shown by several teams, Onazi stressed that the knockout phase will ultimately reveal which nations possess genuine championship mentality.
Unlike the group stage, where teams can recover from setbacks, knockout football leaves little room for mistakes. A single lapse in concentration, tactical error or missed opportunity can end years of preparation and ambition.
This reality, he explained, is why it is premature to crown any nation as the likely champion.
Football history offers numerous examples of heavily favoured teams falling short when expectations were highest. Conversely, some champions have emerged after relatively modest starts, gradually building momentum as the tournament progressed.
According to Onazi, the team that eventually lifts the trophy will likely be one that combines talent, discipline, squad depth and mental resilience.
An Open Race for Glory
As the World Cup enters its next phase, excitement continues to build among fans eager to see which nation will rise above the rest.
From established giants chasing another historic triumph to ambitious outsiders dreaming of a breakthrough campaign, the tournament has already provided compelling evidence that international football has never been more competitive.
For Onazi, that unpredictability is precisely what makes the World Cup special.
Rather than searching for favourites after a handful of matches, he believes supporters should enjoy the drama, suspense and surprises that define football’s greatest tournament.
With many decisive fixtures still to come and the knockout rounds yet to begin, the former Super Eagles star remains convinced that the race for World Cup glory is far from settled. In his view, the competition is only just getting started, and the eventual champion could still emerge from a field packed with world-class contenders.
