The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has not given up on the country?s bid to return to the World Cup next year after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar, a top official of the federation has said.

After beating Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali last Friday to brighten their chances of qualifying for the World Cup, the Super Eagles managed a timid 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, which has all but ended the country?s chances of making the trip to the United States, Canada and Mexico.

South Africa leads Group C with 13 points, five better that Rwanda and Benin Republic, who are on eight points, while Nigeria is fourth on seven points.

Yesterday, there were reports that the NFF held a crucial meeting with Coach Eric Chelle to look at ways of salvaging the country?s slight chance of making the cut to the Mundial.

Nigeria must finish, at least, second in Group C with a good points count to stand the chance of being among the best second-placed teams in the African qualifying series, who will engage in a play-off to decide the continent?s representative in a global play-off for a final spot in the World Cup cast.

Speaking to The Guardian, yesterday, NFF?s Media Director, Ademola Olajire, said he is not aware of any meeting between the federation and Chelle, adding, however, that the body is waiting for FIFA?s reaction to the case Lesotho proffered against South Africa, who fielded an ineligible player in their match on Friday.

He said: ?We are waiting to see how FIFA handles the South African case. We are also assessing our position to know the best we can do to qualify for the World Cup, but I am not aware of any meeting between the NFF president or any board member with Coach Chelle.?

There was a report yesterday that the NFF held a crucial meeting with Coach Chelle to find ways of salvaging Super Eagles? fading campaign for a ticket to the World Cup.

The report said that some members of the federation had complained that some of the players in the current squad had outlived their usefulness and contributed to Zimbabwe?s equaliser with barely one minute to the end of the game on Tuesday. The next set of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers will hold in September with Nigeria hosting Lesotho and also travelling to meet South Africa in Johannesburg. (The Guardian)

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