The Digest:
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup now depend on near-perfect results and favorable outcomes elsewhere, after the Super Eagles slipped to eighth place in the ranking of second-best teams in Africa. Only the top four runners-up will advance to the playoff round.
Key Points:
- Nigeria ranks 8th among CAF runners-up with 11 points from 8 matches
- The top four runners-up (Gabon, Madagascar, DR Congo, Burkina Faso) have 15–18 points
- Super Eagles must win both remaining matches with significant goal margins
- Even maximum points may not suffice without losses by higher-ranked teams
- Costly draws, including against South Africa, have jeopardized qualification
- Coach Eric Chelle faces immense pressure to salvage the campaign
- Missing the World Cup would mark a historic low for Nigerian football
Sources: Complete Sports
