After a dismal start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, Nigeria’s Super Eagles are facing an uphill battle to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament. With the expanded FIFA World Cup format offering 48 spots, including 10 for African teams, the stakes are higher than ever.
The Super Eagles’ chances of qualification seemed bleak after a string of disappointing results in their first four matches, including draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and a defeat to Benin Republic. However, with the recent convincing 2-0 win over Rwanda under the watch of Malian coach Eric Chelle qualification hopes seem to have been rekindled.
With five rounds of matches played, the current Group C standings show South Africa leading the pack with 10 points, followed by Benin with 8 points, Rwanda with 7 points, Nigeria with 6 points, Lesotho with 5 points, and Zimbabwe with 3 points.
For Nigeria to qualify, they must win all their remaining fixtures and rely on South Africa and Benin Republic dropping points. It’s a daunting task, but this writer believes nothing is impossible.
Top teams from group A-I will qualify automatically, while the four best runners-up will compete in a playoff tournament. The winner of this tournament will participate in the FIFA Play-off Tournament, where six teams will vie for the final two World Cup spots.
While the road ahead is challenging, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have the talent and determination to turn their fortunes around. With Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface leading the charge upfront, Captain William Ekong and Calvin Bassey commanding in defence, Nigeria can still dream of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
The Super Eagles would continue the quest for qualification when they face the Warriors of Zimbabwe in their next match on Tuesday, March 25th 2025 at the Godswil Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Nigeria has participated in six FIFA World cups and have only missed out on two Worldcup after making their debut in the USA 1994, they have also played in the France 1998, Korea/ Japan 2002, missed out on Germany 2006, returned for South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018 before missing the 2022 Worldcup in Qatar. Nigeria has never missed out on a consecutive Worldcup.
