Stand-in captain Wilfred Ndidi has maintained the Super Eagles 2026 World Cup qualifying group is still wide open even though the team languish around the bottom of the standings.
“The group is still wide open, we still have a chance (to qualify),” he insisted after Nigeria dropped two more points at home against South Africa courtesy of a 1-1 draw in Uyo Friday night.
Ndidi said team focus has shifted to Monday’s clash against Benin in Abidjan.
“We hope to get something in the second game,” he assured.
“We played a great second half against South Africa, if we play like that again, we will get the result we want.”
Nigeria are fourth in a six-team group with three points, while Benin are a point ahead in second place.
Lesotho are the new leaders of the section after they beat hosts Zimbabwe 2-0 also Friday.
The winners of the nine qualifying groups will advance automatically to the expanded 2026 World Cup to be hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.
