The Super Eagles are again in danger of not qualifying for the World Cup.
It will be more disastrous than missing out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, if they failed to make it to the 2026 World Cup.
For Qatar 2022, Africa was represented by five teams, while for next year’s World Cup the continent could have double such representation.
The 2026 Mundial in USA, Canada and Mexico will offer much more visibility and cash and now Nigeria are at risk of missing out on the biggest ever global football fiesta.
The Super Eagles were top favourites to win a qualifying group that included South Africa, Benin, Rwanda, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
However, more than halfway through the qualifying series, they languish in fourth place with seven points from six matches, nine points adrift of leaders South Africa, who have played a game more.
How did the Super Eagles end up on this World Cup cliff hanger?
The team’s failure to make the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo a fortress as well as an upset 2-1 loss at Benin have worked against the country’s qualification chances.
Nigeria are still looking for their first home win in the qualifiers after they could only draw 1-1 with Lesotho, South Africa and Zimbabwe, all in Uyo.
The two most damaging results by the Super Eagles were recorded in off season in June 2024 – a 1-1 home draw with main rivals South Africa before a 2-1 loss at Benin, who have now emerged as a major contender in this qualifying group with 11 points from seven matches.
The Super Eagles are known to struggle during the close season in Europe because the players are on holidays and for June 2024, the situation was further compounded with how the call-ups trickled into training camp for the games against South Africa and Benin.
On hindsight, reaching the final of the 2023 AFCON may have been a major distraction for both the team and the NFF, who took their time to replace the Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro even after it was very clear he had reached the bus stop with them after he got the team to the final of the AFCON.
Nigeria must now have to win their games against Rwanda and South Africa, while hoping FIFA will dock Bafana Bafana three points and three goals for fielding an ineligible player in a previous qualifier.
Even at that, the Super Eagles will also have to win their remaining games in October away in Lesotho and at home against Benin, while also hoping South Africa drop points in their final two games versus Zimbabwe (away) and Rwanda (home).
The road to 2026 World Cup could not be tougher for Nigeria.
