On borrowed time, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, three-time African champions, enter the last stages of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
With 17 points, Nigeria is in second place in Group C, one point behind South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, who finished with 18 points. Although they missed automatic qualification, Nigeria has guaranteed a playoff spot.
The Benin Republic national football team, meanwhile, finished with 17 points but a lower goal differential, falling to third place and missing out entirely.
Remember that only the winners of each group advance directly to the World Cup in Africa’s qualifying process. Four of the runners-up will compete for the remaining spots in a playoff match. In order to survive, Nigeria must now negotiate that difficult route.
Nigeria’s Previous Challenges
These issues are not new at all. For a while now, the Super Eagles have been slipping from being dependable qualifiers to having trouble entering the tournament. Continuity has been undermined in previous cycles by Nigeria’s repeated coaching changes.
For instance, in December 2021, Gernot Rohr, the German coach who guided Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup, was fired due to dissatisfaction among the supporters.
After taking over in May 2022, José Peseiro led Nigeria to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final before departing in March 2024 with the World Cup ticket still pending.
This desperation is demonstrated by the fact that Éric Chelle was appointed in January 2025 to save the campaign.
The team lacks the structural support, stability, and direction necessary to reach its full potential, as experienced analysts have pointed out.
Osimhen Reaffirms Nigeria’s Aspirations for the 2026 World Cup
The Super Eagles had a rough start to the season, losing and faltering early. Victor Osimhen scored a hat-trick in a much-needed 4-0 victory over Benin Republic at home on October 14, 2025, giving Nigeria a lifeline, moving them into second position and guaranteeing a postseason participation.
Nigeria’s hopes were revived in the last group match on October 14, 2025, by a passionate effort by the Napoli forward.
Nigeria destroyed the Benin Republic in a patriotic show at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria.
South Africa’s 2-1 victory over Rwanda restored Nigeria’s advantage and guaranteed their qualifying after the result had moved them to the top of Group C.
Osimhen’s performance has been characterized by sports pundits as the spark the Eagles needed all season.
His scores boosted the team’s spirits following a run of lackluster games that had raised doubts about their chances of winning the 2026 World Cup.
The inability to pass South Africa and a prior tie with Zimbabwe, however, show how the margins are evaporating. With their victory over Rwanda, South Africa clinched the top spot.
Pressure in the Playoffs
Now that automatic qualification is gone, Nigeria must contend with a difficult playoff path where a single misstep may spell the end of the campaign.
The playoff semi-final must now be won by the Super Eagles. In November, the Nigerian football team will play the Gabon national team in an all-West African match.
To advance to the intercontinental playoffs and rank among the top four runners-up, Nigeria needs to win the final game.
The Need to Perform Better
The Super Eagles have to strengthen their areas of weakness, rebuild fast, and deal with the psychological strain of finishing second rather than first.
Due to the numerous coach changes in recent years, the team lacks a long-term plan. But rather than being the exception, Nigeria needs to play consistently and win huge games like the one against the Benin Republic.
In addition to qualifying for Mexico/Canada/USA 2026, the Super Eagles need to take immediate action to restore their reputation as African powerhouses. Nigerian supporters are eager for the playoffs and anticipate no more slips.
Nobody wants to miss the 2026 World Cup, according to Pooja
Nigerian photojournalist and football specialist Sulaiman Pooja Adebayor, often known as POOJA, gave his thoughts on the Super Eagles and Nigeria’s chances of making it to the 2026 World Cup in an exclusive chat with.
as asked what feelings or body language he has observed as players and coaches have gotten closer to them during practices and games, Pooja responded, “Excellent body language, particularly against Benin Republic.” It was a game that the nation needed, and the mindset was clear as soon as they arrived in Uyo.
He acknowledged that he had a positive relationship with Chelle.
Many Nigerians think that the Super Eagles’ team is among the best in Africa. Why, in your opinion, is the team still having trouble making it to the 2026 World Cup?
“Teams can be impacted by coaches’ instability, and Nigeria is one such victim. It is beneficial for any team to have three separate managers oversee the World Cup qualifying process.
Pooja pointed out that NFF ought to plan for the long run rather than this short-term solution.
According to your expert opinion, is the problem more managerial, psychological, or tactical?
It seems more tactical to me. “I don’t think any player wants to miss the World Cup, but having different managers makes it harder to be flexible,” the football expert stated.
What part does the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) play in the team’s present problems, in your opinion?
In response, Pooja said, “I believe the NFF can do better. Nigerians want more, but they are making an effort on their own. as the age-grade teams that ought to provide the Super Eagles with talent are having trouble.
In order to prevent future suffering, we urge the NFF to pay more attention to that.
Top European leagues have excellent players from Nigeria. Why do they appear to be at odds when they play together for the national team?
As I mentioned, the coach’s techniques. Adapting to African football, playing various roles, making poor choices, and having less time for self-training.
“How can European players perform on that field in that stadium in South Africa?” the photojournalist said.
When you look at the coaching crew, do you see confidence in their body language?
“Yes, the two parties have a close relationship. “They understand the significance of attending the World Cup, and there is a strong connection during training and even during press conferences,” Pooja said.
How have the media and Nigerian supporters responded to the team’s recent setbacks, in your opinion?
“The fans are perfectly justified in their anger. How come we couldn’t score 20 points in a group that includes Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho? Despite being the team with the top ranking? Fans always desire positive outcomes, and players are aware of this.
In your opinion, can Nigeria qualify for the 2026 World Cup through the playoffs? Additionally, do you believe that Nigerian football’s worldwide standing could be impacted by missing another World Cup?
“No team in Africa could defeat us if Nigeria performed as they did against the Benin Republic,” Pooja said with hope.
The football expert finished by saying, “Just mentality,” referring to the quick improvements that Nigeria needs to make in order to resurrect its hopes of qualifying. The players are here; all we need is for everyone to be psychologically prepared for the postseason.
Former Super Eagles forward Victor Ikpeba recently issued a warning, saying that Nigeria’s senior men’s team must make the most of their second chance to earn a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ikpeba emphasized that there is “a lifeline” provided by the playoffs that should not be thrown away.
Speaking on Monday Night Football on SuperSport TV on October 20, Ikpeba, who played for Nigeria in the 1998 World Cup and the 1994 AFCON, stated that it was critical for the players to maintain their motivation and focus.
We are able to earn a spot in the World Cup. “They have another opportunity to play at the World Cup,” the former striker for Monaco stated.
“They need to seize the second lifeline they have.”
Although Ikpeba cautioned that the playoffs would not be simple, he was certain that Nigeria had the talent to qualify if they remained disciplined and cohesive.
