Following their recent draw with South Africa, many Nigerian fans are expressing doubts about the Super Eagles’ prospects of making it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
So far, the Super Eagles have accumulated just 11 points out of a possible 21 across seven matches, trailing the group leaders South Africa by six points. Meanwhile, Benin Republic currently occupies second place after defeating Lesotho, amassing 14 points from eight games.
The Super Eagles’ Road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Nigeria’s qualification journey got off to a rocky start under coach Jose Peseiro, with the team settling for draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Subsequently, former national team star Finidi George stepped in as interim coach for two fixtures, but managed only a single point from matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic. Eventually, Eric Chelle was appointed as the permanent head coach.
Under Chelle’s leadership, the team has shown improvement, securing eight points from four games. However, the earlier setbacks have left Nigeria’s path to the World Cup more challenging.
Implications for the Super Eagles’ Qualification Hopes
At this stage, overtaking South Africa for the top spot appears unlikely, with the South Africans poised to clinch the group and an automatic World Cup berth.
Nigeria’s best chance now lies in qualifying as one of the four best runners-up across the CAF groups. These teams advance to a continental playoff, which then offers a route to an inter-confederation playoff, providing a narrower window to reach the World Cup.
There is also a potential twist: South Africa might face a three-point penalty for fielding an ineligible player, which could reduce their tally to 14 points and potentially allow Nigeria to move up in the standings.
Upcoming Fixtures for the Super Eagles in World Cup Qualifiers
October 6, 2025 – Lesotho vs Nigeria (Away)
This fixture is critical; a victory against one of the group’s lower-ranked teams is essential. Dropping points here would severely damage Nigeria’s chances of direct qualification.
October 13, 2025 – Nigeria vs Benin Republic (Home)
With Benin three points ahead, this match could be decisive in determining who claims second place-or even who might challenge South Africa if they falter in their remaining games.
How Many African Nations Will Secure World Cup Spots?
The nine group winners from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will earn direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup. Additionally, the four best runners-up will enter an intercontinental playoff, competing for a potential tenth slot at the tournament.
What Must Nigeria Do to Qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
To keep their World Cup dreams alive, Nigeria must win their remaining matches against Lesotho and Rwanda. They will also need South Africa to lose both of their final games and face a possible three-point deduction due to the eligibility controversy.
Finishing second in the group is crucial, as Nigeria would then need to be among the top four runners-up across the CAF groups. Those teams will compete in a mini playoff, with the winner advancing to the inter-confederation playoff, where they will face opponents from other continents for a final World Cup berth.
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