It will not be out of context if one asked "if this Super Eagles of Nigeria has landed?" Yes, because the heart break that the fans of the team have suffered following their dismal performance in the the World Cup Qualifiers left much to desire. The Eagles held the Bafana Bafana of South Africa to a goalless draw in Uyo, and lost two goals to one. The matches led to the resignation of Finidi George as the Head Coach, and the anticipation of appointment of a foreign coach which eventually did not work out. 

Austin Eguavoen was called back to stand in as the Interim Coach for the two AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda. 

With only few days, the Eagles were able to pick four points out of the six points available. The three times AFCON champions defeated Benin Republic by three goals to nil and drew goalless with Rwanda, leaving many to believe that the Eagles has landed. 

In the ever-evolving landscape of African football, Nigeria's Super Eagles have long been a symbol of excellence and passion. The team has won multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) titles, played at the World Cup severally , and produced some of the continent's most talented footballers.

 However, with recent performances and shifts in the footballing world, it's pertinent to ask: has this Super Eagles of Nigeria landed, or is it still soaring towards greater heights?

To fully grasp the current state of the Super Eagles, one must first appreciate their storied past. Established in 1945, the Nigerian national football team quickly became a force to be reckoned with in African football. The 1990s were particularly memorable, with the Super Eagles winning the 1994 AFCON and the Olympic gold medal in 1996. These achievements cemented Nigeria's reputation as a football powerhouse on the continent.

The early 2000s continued to bring success, including a runner-up position at the various editions of the AFCON and a second round berth at the 2002 World Cup. However, the subsequent decade was marked by fluctuating fortunes. Despite showing glimpses of brilliance, the team often fell short of their potential, leading to questions about their consistency and ability to compete on the global stage.

The current Super Eagles squad is a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents. The team boasts players who are making waves in European leagues, alongside those who are still developing their potential. This mix offers both hope and uncertainty, as the team navigates through various competitions and qualifiers.

In addition to the established stars, Nigeria is also home to several emerging talents. Players like that are making their marks in European leagues, indicating that the future of Nigerian football is bright. The inclusion of these young players in the national team setup could be instrumental in building a competitive squad for future tournaments.

Despite all these, the Super Eagles have shown mixed performances in recent international competitions. Their campaign in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers was marred by inconsistent results, leading to their failure to secure a spot in Qatar. This disappointment highlighted some underlying issues within the team, including tactical inflexibility and defensive vulnerabilities.

In AFCON 2023, Nigeria had a commendable run but fell short of clinching the title. The team's performances demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level, yet they struggled to maintain consistency throughout the tournament. This pattern of showing potential but failing to deliver in crucial moments has been a recurring theme for the Super Eagles in recent years.

The presence of Nigerian players in top European leagues has been a double-edged sword. On one hand, playing in competitive environments like the English Premier League, Serie A, and La Liga provides valuable experience and exposure. On the other hand, the demands of club football can sometimes impact players' availability and performance for the national team.

The Super Eagles' reliance on European-based players means that their success often hinges on the form and fitness of these individuals. Managing their workload and ensuring they are in peak condition for international fixtures is a significant challenge for the coaching staff.

The passion of Nigerian football fans is unmatched. The Super Eagles' must  remain consistent with their present form for many to believe that they have actually landed, maybe to 2025 AFCON  and World Cup 2026.