Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached a critical tipping point as the Super Eagles face daunting odds in their remaining fixtures. With just 11 points from 8 matches, Nigeria sits in a precarious third position in its qualification group, trailing behind the Republic of Benin on 14 points and level with Rwanda on 11 points.
The situation was further complicated after Zimbabwe announced that its final two “home” matches will be staged in Durban, South Africa. This move, similar to Lesotho’s arrangement, significantly tilts the balance in favor of South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, who have already gained six points from Lesotho and are poised to secure another three against Zimbabwe.
For the Super Eagles, this means the margin for error has completely vanished. They must win their last two games against Lesotho and Benin Republic if they are to stand any chance of advancing to the playoff round.
Stronger Rivals in the Race
Even if Nigeria wins its remaining fixtures, the qualification landscape looks grim. Across other groups, several second-placed teams boast higher points and superior goal aggregates.
Group A: Burkina Faso leads with 15 points and a +14 goal difference.
Group B: DR Congo stands tall with 16 points and +7 aggregate.
Group C: Republic of Benin, Nigeria’s group rival, already has +4 aggregate.
Group D: Cameroon holds 16 points with a +10 difference.
Group F: Gabon dominates with 19 points and +6 aggregate.
These numbers paint a tough picture: even if the Super Eagles finish second in their group, their qualification fate may rest in the hands of calculators and goal differences.
Voices from the Camp
Former assistant coach Sylvanus Okpala has urged Nigerians not to give up just yet. Speaking to Sports Vanguard, he insisted:
> “When I was playing, I would keep fighting until there was absolutely nothing left to play for. The Super Eagles must focus on winning their two matches first. Only then can we start calculating whether it’s automatic qualification or playoffs.”
While Okpala struck a note of hope, others are less optimistic. Football editor Adekunle Salami criticized coach Chelle’s tactical decisions, particularly his choice to start striker Cyriel Dessers in the last outing against South Africa while benching Arokodare, who had scored a crucial winner against Rwanda.
Salami went as far as to suggest Nigeria should “forget the World Cup” and instead concentrate on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled for December in Morocco.
Off-Field Crises Deepen Nigeria’s Troubles
Beyond the pitch, Nigeria’s football faces a crisis that is crippling the Super Eagles’ morale. According to respected journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, players are still owed match bonuses covering almost 30 games, dating back three years.
This revelation is particularly troubling given that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has already received a reported ₦17 billion from the federal government and an additional $34 million grant from CAF to clear outstanding payments. Yet, players remain unpaid, leaving many frustrated and demotivated.
Okeleji further highlighted the lack of adequate infrastructure. Nigeria currently has only one FIFA and CAF-approved stadium in Uyo, and there is no fully functional technical training center for the national team. These shortcomings, combined with administrative instability, have undermined the Super Eagles’ competitive edge.
Injuries Add to the Woes
As if financial disputes and tactical missteps weren’t enough, injuries have plagued the squad ahead of their decisive fixtures.
Raphael Onyedika picked up a knock in Club Brugge’s 5-5 draw against Westerlo.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru remains sidelined with Lazio.
Wilfred Ndidi, struggling with recurring injuries, remains doubtful as Besiktas is unwilling to rush him back.
This long list of unavailable players further compounds Nigeria’s challenge, forcing Coach Chelle to rethink his strategy for the must-win games against Lesotho and Benin.
What Lies Ahead
The Super Eagles’ qualification dream for the 2026 FIFA World Cup now hangs by the slimmest of margins. Winning the final two games is non-negotiable, but even that may not guarantee a place in the playoff round due to stronger competitors across Africa.
Fans remain divided between hope and despair. Optimists believe Nigeria can still grind out results and perhaps secure qualification with some luck elsewhere. Pessimists, however, argue that deep-rooted issues in administration, unpaid bonuses, and poor infrastructure make Nigeria’s absence from the next World Cup almost inevitable.
Whatever the outcome, the qualifiers have exposed the urgent need for structural reforms in Nigerian football. Without resolving administrative failures, ensuring timely player payments, and building world-class facilities, the Super Eagles risk not only missing out on the World Cup but also losing their place among Africa’s footballing giants.
