Sir: The Super Eagles of Nigeria still have a very slim chance to make it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada/Mexico/USA. It all depends on calculators, permutations, serious prayers and calculations now! Their fate is no more in their hands! It has awfully and painfully slipped away in Bloemfontein, South Africa on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. It’s unfortunate!

Now, this is what can still happen to make the Super Eagles of Nigeria make it to the next Mundial. If we win our remaining two matches very well and South Africa loses her remaining two matches very well too., the following things will happen:

The Super Eagles of Nigeria would top the table.

Alternatively, because we would have had 17 points, it means we can rank among the best four loosers.

Here’s the current reality for the Super Eagles’ bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

Qualification Format (CAF)

Direct qualification: Only the group winners from the nine CAF qualifying groups earn automatic World Cup slots.

Runners-up route: The four best second-placed teams among the nine groups enter a playoff for a chance for an intercontinental slot.

Now, let’s observe and analyse Nigeria’s situation in Group C

Current standings after eight matches:

South Africa: 17 points, Nigeria: 11 points, Benin: 11 point (but with a game in hand)

Rwanda: 11 points

Recent results:

A 1–1 draw with South Africa, highlighted by an own goal from Team Captain, William Troost-Ekong, has severely dented Nigeria’s hopes.

What Nigeria need to do?

Direct Route (Group Winners)

To overtake South Africa, Nigeria must: Win both remaining games convincingly (against Lesotho and Benin). Score heavily to overturn the goal difference gap (South Africa currently have a +6 edge over Nigeria).South Africa must lose their remaining matches—and by sufficient margins to erode their goal difference advantage.

Benin Republic must falter in their remaining fixtures.

This scenario is widely described as “like winning the lottery twice”—extremely unlikely.

Nigeria can still aim to be among the four best runners-up, but this path is also hugely challenging.

Even with maximum points (17), Nigeria would still trail teams like Gabon, Madagascar, Congo, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Uganda; some of these already have more than 17 points.

Nigeria’s fate would now depend on other teams losing multiple games, which is hard to control.

Summary of needs

Route Requirements

Two (2) heavy consecutive direct wins. Massive goal-scoring. South Africa collapses. Benin Republic stumbles and falters.

Please note that to get a playoff slot, your team would need maximum points, superior Goals Difference (GD) and several other teams to lose or drop points.

Verdict: Do the Super Eagles of Nigeria still stand any chance?

Technically, yes—but realistically, it’s extremely bleak and unrealistic.

Direct qualification is almost off the table for the Super Eagles of Nigeria unless multiple things go Nigeria’s way—and nothing goes right for either South Africa or Benin Republic. (The Guardian)

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