Nigeria’s chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup took another major hit after playing out a 1-1 draw with South Africa on Tuesday night. The result leaves the Super Eagles in a difficult position, with their path to qualification now hanging by a very thin thread.
If South Africa manage even a single win or draw in their remaining fixtures, Nigeria would most likely finish second with just 17 points. That would leave the Super Eagles relying on the playoff route. However, even that route looks bleak, as most projected runners-up across the African groups are expected to finish with more than 17 points.
For perspective, nations like Gabon and Ivory Coast are already sitting above that tally in their groups. This means Nigeria would not only need to win their own games but also depend heavily on external results across other groups- a situation that, barring a miracle, appears almost unreachable.
So, what exactly does Nigeria need to qualify?
According to analyst, Nigeria’s chances are still alive but are as slim as “winning the lottery. Twice.” For the Super Eagles to sneak into the World Cup, everything has to fall perfectly in their favor.
Here are the conditions:
Nigeria must win and score heavily in their final two group games against Lesotho and Benin to improve their goal difference.
2) South Africa must lose both of their remaining matches.
Rwanda must not surpass Nigeria on goal difference.
Anything short of this combination, and Nigeria’s World Cup hopes will be over before the playoffs.
The task looks daunting, but football has a history of springing surprises. For Nigeria, it is now a case of fighting till the end and hoping for miracles elsewhere on the continent.
Should we send you latest update about your favourite sports and team?
Enter you email in the box below and hit the subscribe button to join our teaming 876+ sports community.
