Super Eagles Get Lifeline to Qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup After Withdrawal of Eritrea
- Nigeria have struggled with qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar
- The Super Eagles missed chances to move up in Group C after draws against Zimbabwe and South Africa
- Nigeria's chances of featuring in the next World Cup are alive after a loophole created by Eritrea's withdrawal
The Super Eagles are on the verge of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Nigeria are currently sitting in third place with 11 points after eight matches in the CAF qualification series.
Meanwhile, some of the teams in Group C have been calling on the world football governing body, FIFA, to sanction leaders South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, against Lesotho in 2023.
Source: Getty Images
Can Nigeria still qualify for World Cup?
Nigeria were unimpressive during their first four matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Former manager Jose Pesiero managed to secure two draws in two matches before the Nigeria Football Federation sacked him.
His assistant, Finidi George, was given the mandate of handling the team but put up a woeful performance, drawing and losing to the Benin Republic 2-1.
The NFF decided to engage former Mali coach Eric Chelle in January 2025 to handle the Super Eagles with the sole purpose of securing the 2026 World Cup ticket.
Chelle has lived up to expectations, playing four matches and securing two wins and two draws.
Nigeria's dreams of securing the second position were marred by their 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium last March and their 1-1 draw against South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Bafana Bafana lead the CAF qualification Group C with 17 points, while Benin have 14 points, and the Super Eagles are level with Rwanda on 11 points.
Source: Getty Images
How Nigeria can qualify for World Cup
Nigeria have to finish in second position in Group C to stand a chance of featuring in the inter-confederation playoff.
According to Owngoal, the Super Eagles can manoeuvre their way up with the withdrawal of Eritrea in Group E.
In 2010, when Eritrea withdrew and Ethiopia was excluded, CAF’s runners-up ranking ignored results against the fourth-placed team, making comparisons even across the groups.
During the Euro 2016 qualifiers, UEFA's rule for determining the best third-placed team was discarded in favour of the sixth-placed team in the six-team groups over the same number of games.
The Eritrea Football Association withdrew its men's team over fear that the players would seek political asylum during their trips abroad, according to the BBC.
Super Eagles risk World Cup regret - Analyst warns
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been boosted by Eritrea’s withdrawal from the CAF qualifiers.
But sports analyst Oluwadamiloju Saliu has cautioned that the Super Eagles may still fall short.
“Anyone who fails to qualify for the World Cup has only themselves to blame, and sadly looks like Nigeria is one of those countries that will be living in regret,” he told Legit.ng.
Former FIFA member: SA will be sanctioned
Legit.ng earlier reported that a former FIFA Disciplinary Council member believes South Africa could be sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
Raymond Hack's comments on the divisive situation have sparked new hope for Nigeria, who are locked in a tight Group C battle with Bafana Bafana, Rwanda, and Lesotho for their chance in North America.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a sports analyst for this report.
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Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
