September 08, (THEWILL) – The Super Eagles of Nigeria have found themselves in a precarious and awkward spot as they continue their journey towards qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Sitting fifth in Group C after four matches, they have not won a single game, leaving fans and analysts alike worried about a potential second consecutive failure to qualify for the spectacular tournament. The Super Eagle’s underwhelming performance in the qualifiers so far is not just a reflection of tactical and managerial shortcomings but also of missed opportunities on the pitch.
However, they still have six matches left to turn their fortunes around. This means that while the road is difficult, hope remains and Nigeria’s fate is still in their hands. Here is a look at the current state of play and the path that I think could yet see the Super Eagles soar to the top of the group.
Group C, on Saturday morning, remained tight, with Rwanda, South Africa and Benin all sitting at the top, respectively, with seven points each, while Lesotho and Nigeria trail behind. The Super Eagles have struggled, drawing three matches and losing one. However, there is still room for a comeback, given the six remaining fixtures in the group stage. These matches include:
March 19, 2024: Rwanda vs Nigeria
March 22, 2024: Nigeria vs Zimbabwe
September 3, 2024: Nigeria vs Rwanda
September 6, 2024: South Africa vs Nigeria
October 8, 2024: Lesotho vs Nigeria
October 11, 2024: Nigeria vs Benin
While Nigeria’s current form does not inspire confidence, the Super Eagles are still mathematically capable of topping the group and advancing to the World Cup. Here are the critical scenarios that must play out for our national team to qualify:
Winning All Six Remaining Matches
The clearest path to qualification in my arithmetic is for Nigeria to win all her remaining fixtures. This would give the Super Eagles a total of 21 points, which should be more than enough to secure top spot in the group. Given the competitiveness of the group, a series of victories could also destabilise their direct rivals—Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin—who are currently on seven points each.
It is crucial that Nigeria takes maximum points from their double-header against Rwanda, which would deal a major blow to one of the main contenders for the top spot. Additionally, beating South Africa on their home soil would give Nigeria a psychological advantage, especially as South Africa is also expected to be in contention until the very last match. Wins against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Benin would then cap off the campaign, sealing Nigeria’s qualification.
Second Scenario: Hoping for Other Results to Go Their Way
Even if Nigeria drops points in one or two matches, they could still qualify if other results in the group work in their favour. For example, if South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin draw in some of their remaining matches, the group could remain tight, allowing Nigeria to leapfrog them with wins in their remaining games. Rwanda and South Africa, in particular, face each other in their final group match, which could potentially lead to one of those teams losing points.
Moreover, Zimbabwe, though struggling at the bottom of the table with just two points, could play the role of spoiler. A surprise result from Zimbabwe in one of their remaining matches could disrupt the ambitions of one of the top three teams, providing an opening for Nigeria.
In addition to these scenarios, goal difference may also come into play. Nigeria’s current goal difference is minus one, having scored four goals and conceded five. This must improve, especially if the group ends in a tie on points. In the event of a tie, Nigeria would need a superior goal difference to edge out their rivals. Therefore, it is not enough to just win matches; Nigeria must aim to win convincingly, particularly in their home games against Zimbabwe and Benin, where I predict goal-scoring opportunities should be plentiful.
One of the main factors behind Nigeria’s struggles in the qualifiers has been the constant changes in management. From Jose Peseiro to the brief stint of Finidi George, the Super Eagles have lacked stability in the technical area. The situation was further complicated by the failed appointment of Bruno Labbadia, whose contractual disagreements with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over taxes left the team without a clear direction.
In the interim, Augustine Eguavoen has been tasked with leading the team through this critical phase. While Eguavoen’s tactical decisions will be crucial in the remaining matches, the team will also need to play with a level of discipline and determination that has been missing so far.
Nigeria’s star-studded squad has not delivered the performances expected of them. Players like Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Kelechi Iheanacho must take responsibility for the team’s poor showing in front of the opponent’s goalpost thus far. Osimhen must step up, with the evocative need to show that he is still the striker that did for Napoli what only the legendary Diego Maradona could pull off, and prove to critics why he deserved to be the 8th best player in the World at the last Balon D’Or. Meanwhile, Chukwueze, Lookman, Iheanacho and the returning Victor Boniface need to provide more attacking support.
The midfield, led by Wilfred Ndidi, who also will be returning to the squad after an injury layoff, also needs to show more control in dictating the tempo of games. Too often, Nigeria has struggled to maintain possession and has been outclassed by opponents in the middle of the park. A more disciplined and structured midfield could be the key to unlocking Nigeria’s attacking potential in the remaining matches.
Nigeria has been a consistent participant in World Cups and missing the tournament for the second consecutive time would be disastrous. Beyond the immediate disappointment, failure to qualify would have long-term implications for Nigerian football. World Cup participation boosts the profile of Nigerian players, enhances their market value, and provides exposure to younger talents.
It also affects the morale of the fans, who have been loyal despite the Super Eagles’ poor performances. The Nigerian football community expects better from its team, especially given the abundance of talent available. I have to emphasise here that missing out on the 2026 World Cup would signal a deeper problem in the management and development of the sport in the country.
For Nigeria to turn things around, the team must first acknowledge their shortcomings and make the necessary adjustments. The NFF must take responsibility for the managerial instability and ensure that Eguavoen is given the tools and support to succeed while the search for a substantive manager with the pedigree to deliver wins continues. There also needs to be a renewed focus on player accountability. The players must realise that they are not just representing themselves but the hopes of an entire nation.
I am hopeful and positive that with six matches remaining, Nigeria’s World Cup dream is not yet over. The path to qualification is narrow, but it is still open. If the Super Eagles can show the grit, determination, and tactical discipline required, they can still qualify for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.
Ultimately, it will come down to how the team performs in these critical fixtures. Don’t bet against the Super Eagles just yet. They are a rugged and very resilient side.
