How Nigeria can qualify for 2026 W/Cup after draw with South Africa

Nigeria played a 1-1 draw with South Africa in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers putting the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes in jeopardy.

The result of that game relegated Nigeria to fifth place in Group C, with a mere three points from three games, leaving their 2026 World Cup ambitions teetering on the brink.

Lesotho are top of the group with five points after their 2-0 win over Zimbabwe earlier Friday.

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Rwanda occupies the second spot in the group, boasting four points and a superior goal difference compared to both Benin and South Africa.

The Super Eagles will travel to Ivory Coast on Monday to take on Benin at the Houphouet Boigny Stadium in continuation of the World Cup qualifying tournament before it breaks till March 2025.

Friday night’s stalemate with Bafana Bafana has undoubtedly complicated Nigeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup, however the door to qualification remains ajar depending on subsequent results. Here, crispng discusses Nigeria’s chances of the ways Nigeria can still qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Nigeria’s fate hinges on winning their next three games, but even a perfect run may not guarantee qualification.

Lesotho, the current group leader, must also stumble or drop points, and other rivals like Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin who are ahead of George Finidi‘s men in Group C must experience defeats or draws to allow super eagles to capitalise on their missteps.

Nigeria missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and it would be a shame if the so-called giant of Africa misses two world cups in a row especially with the calibre of young players.

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