Nigeria’s bid to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup is hanging by a fragile thread, with the Super Eagles now relying on South Africa to drop points to keep their qualification hopes alive. With just 11 points from their group, even back-to-back wins in their final two matches will only take them to 17 — a tally that may still fall short.
The situation paints a grim picture for a team once regarded as Africa’s football powerhouse. Instead of dominating their group, Nigeria now finds itself doing mathematical calculations and praying for favours. The team’s inability to secure wins in key fixtures has exposed deep cracks in its technical and administrative structure.
Observers say the blame cuts across board. From the dugout to the NFF boardroom, questions are being raised about preparation, player selection, and overall direction. The Super Eagles’ performances have lacked rhythm and identity — a sign, critics argue, of a team without a defined philosophy.
The uncertainty surrounding the coaching setup has also been cited as a major factor. Since the departure of Jose Peseiro, the team has looked directionless, with inconsistent tactics and questionable substitutions costing crucial points.
As the campaign nears its end, the Super Eagles’ fate no longer rests in their hands. For a nation with Nigeria’s football pedigree, depending on another team’s misstep to qualify is not just disappointing — it’s a sobering reflection of how far standards have fallen.
