World Cup
Nigeria’s Rugged Qualification Roadmap Before the December FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw
By KUNLE SOLAJA
The Super Eagles currently sit in a precarious position in Group C of the CAF 2026 qualifiers. With just seven points from six matches, the Super Eagles trail South Africa, Rwanda and Benin.
To realistically stay in contention before December’s World Cup draw, here’s what the fixtures demand:
- Nigeria vs Rwanda (Home, 6 September 2025)
Rwanda are second on the Group C table. Victory in Uyo is non-negotiable if Nigeria want to wrest control of the group. Another slip ends Nigeria’s dream. The target should be three points and, if possible, a clean sheet to help goal-difference tiebreaks.
- South Africa vs Nigeria (Away, 9 September 2025 – Bloemfontein)
Playing in the high altitude of Bloemfontein, the Super Eagles face their fiercest rivals in the group. South Africa already secured a point in Uyo and will see this as a chance to widen the gap. A win keeps Nigeria alive, but defeat could end the World Cup 2026 dream.
A win would be a huge bonus and swing momentum Nigeria’s way, especially if South Africa stumbles in their preceding tie with Lesotho.
- Lesotho vs Nigeria (Away, October 2025)
By the time of this match, Lesotho are expected to gain three points from South Africa’s ineligible-player sanction, reshaping the table.
With the likelihood of the fixture being held in South Africa, conditions won’t favour Nigeria. Dropping points here would virtually end qualification hopes. It is therefore mandatory that Nigeria target three points.
- Nigeria vs Benin (Home, October 2025)
Benin have been the group’s disruptors and have previously hurt Nigeria. Coached by former Super Eagles boss Gernot Rohr, they are compact, counterpunch well, and are strong on set-pieces. Head-to-head could prove decisive; Nigeria must reverse earlier damage and build a goal difference.
For the Super Eagles to be relevant participants in the December Final draw of the 2026 World Cup, a lot of mathematics will be involved. The summary stands thus:
- September Window Goal: 4–6 points (beat Rwanda at home; draw or win against South Africa in Bloemfontein).
- October Window Goal: 6 points (win away to Lesotho; beat Benin at home).
Total Aim before December: 10–12 points from these four fixtures to remain in control of a direct slot — or, worst case, to be among the strongest runners-up.
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The following is a list of teams that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
UNITED STATES
Taking part as hosts
Best performance: Third place (1930)
MEXICO:
Taking part as hosts
Best performance: Quarter-finals (1970, 1986)
CANADA:
Taking part as hosts
Best performance: Group stage (1986, 2022)
JAPAN
Qualified on March, 20.
Best performance: Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022)
NEW ZEALAND
Qualified on March, 24.
Best performance: Group stage (1982, 2010)
IRAN
Qualified on March, 25.
Best performance: Group stage (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022)
ARGENTINA
Qualified on March, 25.
Best performance: Winners (1978, 1986, 2022)
UZBEKISTAN
Qualified on June, 5.
Best performance: Never previously qualified.
SOUTH KOREA
Qualified June, 5.
Best performance: Fourth place (2002)
JORDAN
Qualified June, 5.
Best performance: Never previously qualified.
AUSTRALIA
Qualified June, 10.
Best performance: Round of 16 (2006, 2022)
BRAZIL
Qualified June, 10.
Best performance: Winners (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
ECUADOR
Qualified June, 10.
Best performance: Round of 16 (2006)
URUGUAY
Qualified September, 4.
Best performance: Winners (1930, 1950)
COLOMBIA
Qualified September, 4.
Best performance: Quarter-finals (2014)
PARAGUAY
Qualified September, 4.
Best performance: Quarter-finals (2010)
MOROCCO
Qualified September, 5.
Best performance: Semi-finals (2022)
TUNISIA
Qualified September, 8.
Best performance: Group Stage (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022)
EGYPT
Qualified October, 8.
Best performance: Round of 16 (1934)
-Reuters
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Egypt became the third African country to book a berth at next year’s World Cup finals with an easy 3-0 win over Djibouti in Casablanca on Wednesday that secured them top place in Group A with one game remaining.
Egypt, who have competed at three previous World Cups, join fellow north African nations Morocco and Tunisia at the 2026 tournament in North America.
-Reuters
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Russia-based forward Olakunle Olusegun is still awaiting an entry visa to South Africa, creating the possibility that Nigeria may prosecute the encounter with only 21 available players.
Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle will have a total of 20 players available for Wednesday’s second training session, as the Super Eagles intensify preparations for the tie against the Crocodiles.
By Tuesday night, 18 players had checked into the team’s camp at The Ranch Hotel in Polokwane, with Portugal-based defender Zaidu Sanusi and Spain-based forward Jerome Akor Adams expected to join on Wednesday. United States-based midfielder Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi is due to arrive on Thursday.
Chelle has had to adjust his squad following injuries to Bright Osayi-Samuel and Cyriel Dessers, prompting the late inclusion of Zaidu Sanusi and Christantus Uche of Crystal Palace. Earlier, a knock to wing-back Felix Agu had reduced the initial 23-man roster to 22.
Team captain William Ekong lacing his boots for training in Polokwane on Tuesday
Friday’s Matchday 9 fixture will kick off at 6pm South Africa time (5pm Nigeria time) at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, as the Super Eagles aim to strengthen their position in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying race.
21 SUPER EAGLES TO BATTLE LESOTHO IN POLOKWANE
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
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