This is a worrying time for Nigerian football fans. For the first time since 1960, the Super Eagles have gone winless in three consecutive World Cup qualifying matches.
Nigeria’s loss to Benin has left the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in tatters. The Super Eagles, looking tired for most of the game as if they would rather be anywhere but Abidjan, lost 2-1 on Matchday 4 to finish the second qualifying window with a measly three points of a possible 12 from four of their games.
This may not have sounded a death knell to their hopes of qualifying, with six games still to play, while qualification for the 2026 World Cup appears precarious, all hope is not lost, yet tough to see them making much headway without a significant turnaround in performances.
The Super Eagles must now win all six of their remaining games to guarantee themselves a place at the World Cup; based on their performances in these two games, vs. South Africa and Benin, that is as wishful as thinking gets.
For the Eagles, it is time for the recriminations to begin as the once-feared giants of African football are now whimpering their way out of a place at the first 48-team World Cup.
Nigeria was propelled to the Africa Cup of Nations Final earlier this year by an uncharacteristically strong and disciplined defensive structure; however, they had to sacrifice their attacking instincts to achieve that.
The current statistics paint a worrying picture for the Super Eagles. They remain winless after four qualifiers, mustering a meagre three points from a possible twelve. With only six matches remaining, the pressure is immense.
The harsh reality of the qualification format is that only the group winners progress directly to the World Cup. This scenario risks Nigeria missing the global footballing extravaganza for the second consecutive time.
Currently languishing in fifth place within a six-team group, the Super Eagles find themselves four points adrift of leaders Benin Republic. While some fans may have resigned themselves to disappointment, a sliver of hope remains.
The Eagles can still mathematically salvage their qualification campaign, but their path forward requires a dramatic shift in fortunes.
This turnaround necessitates a winning streak in all remaining matches. Additionally, they must rely on the misfortune of other teams in the group, hoping for slip-ups from their rivals.
The task ahead is monumental. The team faces a colossal challenge to rekindle their World Cup dreams. They must not only rediscover their winning ways but also rely on the misfortune of other teams.
After the poor performance by the Super Eagles against Benin, Nigeria Football Federation, NFF president Ibrahim Gusau has assured that despite the precarious position that the Super Eagles have found themselves, they will still go on to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
“This is a very sad moment for Nigeria football and we cannot run away from that, what I can assure you is that we’re working tirelessly with the Sports Minister to make sure we take some holistic measures that will change the entire system,” Gusau said after a meeting with the sports minister in Abuja.
“It’s still possible (to qualify for World Cup) and we’re going to make it. Very soon you will see the measures that NFF will come up with that will qualify us for the next World Cup.
“Before the next round of the World Cup qualifiers, we will play all the 2025 AFCON qualifiers this year, that will prove to Nigerians the steps we will take to qualify for the World Cup, the NFF President said.
On his part, former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde says he’s optimistic that Nigeria will qualify for the 2026 World Cup, stating that the Super Eagles may be down but not out of the qualifying race for the World Cup.
In his chat with Completesports.com, Onigbinde said: “It is still very possible for the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Everything now depends on how we work our way out of this tight corner.
“But then, I can’t still believe that we lost to Benin 2-1. It’s a game we should have won to brighten our chances in the group, but notwithstanding, I am still very optimistic that Nigeria will qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” the former head coach said.
The Super Eagles after the loss to Benin stated that the team’s loss 2-1 to the Cheetahs of Benin was a blow to their hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but they will fight hard to qualify for the next Mundia.
“We are back in the country, and we are not happy about the way the two games panned out. We have had talks among ourselves and have resolved to fight hard till the end to ensure we do the impossible which is qualifying for the 2026 World Cup,” the team wrote on its official X account.
“We don’t take your support for granted, we thank you immensely,” the post stated.
However, the coming matches will be a defining moment for Nigerian football. Can the Super Eagles soar once again and book their ticket to the World Cup, or will their hopes be extinguished, leaving them grounded in disappointment?
They will resume their qualifying campaign in March 2025 when they travel to face Rwanada’s Amavubi.
By Benprince Ezeh
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