Nigeria's 2026 World Cup Hopes Hang by a Thread
The Africa Cup of Nations finalists have not won any of their opening four CAF Group C matches, losing 2-1 to Benin last time out after three straight draws.
Overall, the Super Eagles have not won any of their last seven World Cup qualifiers, a remarkable drought that dates back to November 2021.
That campaign ended with a goalless loss to Ghana in the qualifiers and they may not go as far this time.
However, Nigeria's qualification for the African Cup of Nations at the end of 2024 has helped to restore some morale among the players before they resume World Cup qualification in March 2025. Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen oversees these games following the acrimonious departure of Finidi George. If the results have been accurate so far, the real test will come when these CAF qualifications resume early next year.
When is Nigeria's next match?
Nigeria's next match will be against Benin in the CAN qualifiers on November 14 in Abidjan. A win allows the Super Eagles to secure a place in the 2025 finals.
Date | Competition | Match |
|---|---|---|
| September 7 | AFCON Qualifying | Nigeria 3-0 Benin |
| September 10 | AFCON Qualifying | Rwanda 0-0 Nigeria |
| October 6 | AFCON Qualifying | Nigeria 1-0 Libya |
| October 14 | AFCON Qualifying | Libya 0-3 Nigeria |
| November 10 | AFCON Qualifying | Benin vs Nigeria |
| November 18 | AFCON Qualifying | Nigeria vs Rwanda |
| March 17 | World Cup Qualifying | Rwanda vs Nigeria |
| March 24 | World Cup Qualifying | Nigeria vs Zimbabwe |
| September 1 | World Cup Qualifying | Nigeria vs Rwanda |
| September 8 | World Cup Qualifying | South Africa vs Nigeria |
| October 6 | World Cup Qualifying | Lesotho vs Nigeria |
| October 13 | World Cup Qualifying | Nigeria vs Benin |
Can Nigeria still qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, Nigeria can still make it to the finals to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. All is not lost yet, even if the window of opportunity is closing fast. The Super Eagles are fifth in the six-team Group C with three points. It may not seem encouraging, but they are only four points behind second-placed South Africa, and Bafana Bafana only trail leaders Rwanda on goal difference.
Nigeria has six games to turn things around, with the teams playing home and away in the group stage.
The winners of CAF's nine groups automatically qualify for the World Cup, with the top four going into the playoffs. How many African teams will qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Nine African teams are guaranteed a place at the 2026 World Cup, with the possibility of a tenth participating.
After the nine group winners of the CAF qualifiers qualify automatically, the top four finishers will play a play-off match to determine which team advances to the inter-confederation knockout round.
One representative from each confederation except UEFA and two representatives from CONCACAF as host federation will play in the six-team play-off.
According to the FIFA world ranking, the two highest-ranked teams will qualify for the play-off, which will determine the final two World Cup qualifications. The split teams will face the winners of the two semifinals with the four teams undecided for a spot in the tournament.
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