GistNexus – March 27, 2025.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, find themselves embroiled in a qualification campaign fraught with challenges and uncertainties. With the tournament set to be the first featuring 48 teams, Nigeria’s aspirations to secure a spot are hanging in the balance. The Super Eagles have a rich footballing history, and their supporters are hoping that their team will find a way to overcome current hurdles to book their ticket to North America. However, their journey so far has been filled with setbacks, inconsistencies, and internal strife that have led to more questions than answers about their World Cup qualification prospects.
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The Current Qualification Landscape
Nigeria is positioned in Group C of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifiers, alongside Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho. As of March 2025, the standings are as follows:
1. Rwanda: Played 4, Won 2, Drawn 1, Lost 1, Points: 7
2. South Africa: Played 4, Won 2, Drawn 1, Lost 1, Points: 7
3. Benin: Played 4, Won 2, Drawn 1, Lost 1, Points: 7
4. Lesotho: Played 4, Won 1, Drawn 2, Lost 1, Points: 5
5. Nigeria: Played 4, Won 0, Drawn 3, Lost 1, Points: 3
6. Zimbabwe: Played 4, Won 0, Drawn 2, Lost 2, Points: 2
This table highlights Nigeria’s struggle, sitting fifth with only three points from four matches, trailing leaders Rwanda by four points. The Super Eagles’ inability to secure victories has placed them in a precarious position, and with the top two teams in each group earning automatic qualification, the pressure is mounting.
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A Tumultuous Start
The Super Eagles’ qualification journey has been marred by inconsistent performances that have left their supporters frustrated. In November 2023, the team was held to a 1-1 draw at home against Lesotho, a result that was widely regarded as disappointing given Nigeria’s superior pedigree. This was followed by a 1-1 away draw against Zimbabwe in March 2024, further complicating Nigeria’s chances of a strong start in the qualifiers. These results signaled early warning signs of trouble within the team, and the pressure began to build.
By June 2024, the situation worsened when Nigeria suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Benin, followed by another underwhelming 1-1 draw against South Africa. These lackluster performances left the Super Eagles with just three points from their first four matches, significantly behind the pace set by Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin. With qualification hopes fading, it was clear that Nigeria’s campaign was in serious jeopardy.
Coaching Changes Amidst Challenges
The disappointing performances led to significant changes within the team, as the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) sought to make a bold move in an attempt to salvage the campaign. Head coach Finidi George, appointed in 2023, resigned following the loss to Benin, citing the mounting pressure and inability to steer the team back on track. His resignation was met with mixed reactions, as many supporters felt that the team’s underachievement was not solely his fault but also reflected deeper issues within Nigerian football.
Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen stepped in to take charge of the Super Eagles. Eguavoen had previously managed the team with some success, but his second stint was equally challenging. Despite his experience, Eguavoen found it difficult to reverse Nigeria’s fortunes, as the team continued to struggle with both form and consistency. With the World Cup qualification hanging in the balance, the NFF looked to external options and eventually appointed Malian coach Eric Chelle.
Chelle’s appointment marked a turning point for Nigeria, as the team secured a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in his debut match, thanks to a brace from star striker Victor Osimhen. This victory was seen as a glimmer of hope for Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations, and it injected new optimism into the squad. However, questions remained about whether Chelle could consistently guide the Super Eagles to the required results in the remaining qualifiers.
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The Victor Osimhen Factor
Striker Victor Osimhen has been one of the few bright spots in Nigeria’s qualification campaign so far. The 2023 African Player of the Year has been in superb form for both his club, Napoli, and the national team, scoring crucial goals whenever called upon. His brace against Rwanda in March 2025 was a reminder of his exceptional talent and importance to the Super Eagles.
However, Osimhen’s relationship with former coach Finidi George had been strained, and it was believed to have played a role in the forward’s temporary departure to Turkish club Galatasaray. His return to the national team under Chelle has been pivotal, with Osimhen’s goals providing much-needed confidence to the squad. For Nigeria to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, much will depend on Osimhen continuing to deliver in the crucial matches ahead.
Regional Rivals’ Progress
While Nigeria struggles to find their footing, other African nations have been progressing well in their qualification campaigns, making the Super Eagles’ task even more difficult. For instance:
• Algeria has been dominant, securing a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Mozambique, with Mohamed Amoura scoring a stunning hat-trick. The Desert Foxes’ attacking prowess has put them in a strong position for qualification.
• Egypt has been steady, maintaining a five-point lead in Group A with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Sierra Leone. The Pharaohs are always a strong force in African football, and they look well on their way to securing a spot in the World Cup.
• Morocco, the 2022 World Cup quarterfinalists, continued their perfect record in Group H with a 2-0 triumph over Tanzania, further cementing their status as one of Africa’s top teams.
These performances from other African nations underscore the highly competitive nature of the qualifiers. The likes of Algeria, Egypt, and Morocco have already set the bar high, and Nigeria will need to drastically improve their performances if they are to secure one of the coveted World Cup spots.
The Road Ahead: Can Nigeria Turn the Tide?
With six matches remaining in the qualifiers, the Super Eagles face an uphill battle. The remaining fixtures are crucial, and Nigeria’s destiny lies in their hands. The upcoming matches include:
September 2025:
– Nigeria vs. Rwanda
– South Africa vs. Nigeria
October 2025:
– Lesotho vs. Nigeria
– Nigeria vs. Benin
To secure automatic qualification, Nigeria must win all six of their remaining matches, a task that will require them to be near-perfect in their approach. This would give them 18 points, but even then, they would need to hope for favorable results elsewhere, as the battle for the top spots in Group C will likely go down to the wire.
Internal Challenges: Discipline and Leadership
Beyond the on-field issues, Nigeria has faced several internal challenges that have contributed to their struggles. Reports of player indiscipline, including late arrivals to camp and off-field distractions, have been a persistent problem. Former internationals have criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for not enforcing strict discipline and failing to foster a winning mentality within the squad. This lack of cohesion and leadership has been apparent in the Super Eagles’ performances on the pitch.
Addressing these internal concerns is crucial for Nigeria’s chances of qualification. The NFF must ensure that the players remain focused and committed to the cause, while also ensuring that the team operates with a sense of unity and professionalism.
NFF’s Stance and Public Sentiment
Despite the challenges, Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), remains optimistic. Gusau has publicly stated that he believes the Super Eagles can win their remaining matches and secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. He also emphasized that qualifying for the tournament would provide a significant morale boost for the team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco later in 2025.
However, public sentiment is mixed, with many fans and analysts expressing skepticism. Nigeria’s inconsistent performances, coupled with internal issues, have raised doubts about the team’s ability to turn things around in such a high-stakes environment. While optimism remains, it is clear that the road ahead will not be easy.
Based on GistNexus Sport Analysis
The Super Eagles stand at a crossroads. With just six matches remaining in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Nigeria’s fate hangs in the balance. The team has the talent and potential to succeed, but they must address both their on-field and off-field issues if they are to qualify for the tournament. The coming months will be a defining period for Nigerian football, and only time will tell whether the Super Eagles can rise to the occasion and secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
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