The Super Eagles of Nigeria are facing a daunting task in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With a dismal start to their CAF Group C campaign, Nigeria is winless in their first four matches, including a 2-1 loss to Benin in their last outing.
This streak extends their winless run in World Cup Qualifiers to seven matches, dating back to November 2021.
CAF Qualification Format
The CAF qualification format dictates that the winners of each group automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the four best runners-up enter the playoff route.
READ MORE: Gernot Rohr reveals Super Eagles’ secret weapon against Benin Republic in AFCON qualifier
The playoffs will determine which team advances to the inter-confederation eliminator round, where one representative from each confederation, except for UEFA and with two from CONCACAF as the host federation, will contest the six-team playoff.
Nigeria’s Schedule
The Super Eagles’ upcoming fixtures present an opportunity to revive their campaign. Here is their schedule:
_AFCON Qualifying Matches_
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
| — | — | — |
| September 7 | Benin | Home |
| September 10 | Rwanda | Away |
| October 6 | Libya | Home |
| October 14 | Libya | Away |
| November 10 | Benin | Away |
| November 18 | Rwanda | Home |
_World Cup Qualifying Matches
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
| — | — | — |
| March 17 | Rwanda | Away |
| March 24 | Zimbabwe | Home |
| September 1 | Rwanda | Home |
| September 8 | South Africa | Away |
| October 6 | Lesotho | Away |
| October 13 | Benin | Home |
Can Nigeria Still Qualify for World Cup 2026?
Yes, Nigeria can still reach the finals to be staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. All is not lost just yet, although there is a fast-closing window of opportunity. The Super Eagles lie fifth in the six-team Group C on three points. On the face of it, that’s a dismal state of affairs, but they are only four points behind second-place South Africa.
The Super Eagles will be banking on their Star studded squad to qualify for the 2026 World cup
Implications for Team Management
The team’s performance in the AFCON qualifying matches will likely determine the long-term future of the management. Caretaker boss Austin Eguavoen faces a daunting task to restore Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.
Player Performance
Nigeria’s player performance has been a major concern in their World Cup qualifying campaign. The team has struggled to find the back of the net, with only three goals scored in their first four matches.
Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s star striker, has been struggling with injuries, which has further compounded the team’s attacking woes. The forward is fit and back to action with the Super Eagles. The energetic striker scored in Nigeria s 3:0 thumping of Benin Republic last Saturday.
How Many African Teams Will Qualify for 2026 World Cup?
Nine African teams are guaranteed a spot at the 2026 World Cup, with the possibility of a 10th taking part. After the nine group winners from CAF qualification progress automatically, the four best runners-up will contest a playoff to decide which team advances to the inter-confederation eliminator round.
Ex-Super Eagles coach Gerhnot Rohr will be battling to secure a world cup spot for Benin Republic
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes hang in the balance, but there is still a window of opportunity for the Super Eagles to revive their campaign. With crucial matches on the horizon, the team must capitalize on these opportunities to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
The team’s management, player performance, and upcoming fixtures will all play a critical role in determining Nigeria’s fate in the qualifying campaign.