Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign has been anything but straightforward. With just one victory in six matches, the Super Eagles find themselves playing catch-up in Group C, six points adrift of leaders South Africa.
Yet, despite a rocky journey, the dream is still alive and the coming days could define whether Nigeria makes a real push for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket or slips further behind.
Nigeria’s uphill task
The Super Eagles currently sit in fourth place, behind South Africa, Benin, and Rwanda. Their inconsistency has been costly, particularly at home where dropped points against Benin, Lesotho, and South Africa have left them scrambling for momentum.
For a team boasting names like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze, one win in six games paints a worrying picture.
Still, the upcoming fixtures provide a lifeline. Nigeria face Rwanda in Uyo this weekend, a match that could lift them above the Amavubi into third place.
Captain William Troost-Ekong has stressed the importance of securing maximum points, knowing anything less would further damage their fading hopes.
The South Africa hurdle
The real test comes immediately after, with a high-stakes clash against South Africa in Bloemfontein.
Bafana Bafana have been steady at the top, but their position could be shaken if Lesotho manage an upset before Nigeria’s visit. In that case, the encounter would transform into a direct battle for control of the group.
For Nigeria, the path to overtaking South Africa is clear but narrow. They must beat Rwanda, defeat South Africa away, and hope Benin stumble against either Lesotho or Zimbabwe.
If those conditions align, the Super Eagles could find themselves back in the driving seat.
No margin for error
Nigeria’s greatest enemy at this point is not just their rivals but their own inconsistency. Wasted opportunities at home have piled on the pressure, leaving little to no room for further slip-ups.
Every match from here on is a final, and Rwanda’s visit to Uyo is a must-win scenario.
Victory in Bloemfontein would not only tilt the table in Nigeria’s favour but also restore confidence in a squad that has struggled to live up to expectations.
However, another poor result could leave their qualification hopes hanging entirely on other teams’ performances, a dangerous place to be in such a competitive group.
What to expect
Some football analysts remain skeptical. Pundit Fisayo Dairo recently argued that Nigeria’s chances are slim, noting that even a second-place finish in the group does not guarantee a playoff spot under CAF’s qualification system.
That reality makes it all the more urgent for the Super Eagles to seize control now rather than hope for mathematical miracles later.