Super Eagles on the Brink: Can They Claw Their Way to the 2026 World Cup?
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign intensifies, Nigerians are left in a state of uncertainty about the Super Eagles’ chances of securing one of the coveted spots from Group C. With the qualifiers set to kick off in March 2025, the Super Eagles currently sit in a precarious fifth position, trailing behind teams like Rwanda, South Africa, Benin Republic, and Lesotho.
For Nigeria to claim the top spot in the group, they must win all six of their remaining matches and amass a total of 23 points, 18 of which will come from these victories.
Historically, Nigeria’s national football team, under different monikers—Red Devils, Green Eagles, and Super Eagles—has faced its share of heartbreak in the race to qualify for the World Cup. Despite their early struggles, such as a disheartening loss in 1977 against Tunisia due to an own goal by Godwin Odiye, the team has seen moments of success. Nigeria’s first World Cup appearance came in 1994, and since then, the Super Eagles have missed out on only two editions: Germany 2006 and Qatar 2022.
However, this time around, the Super Eagles find themselves in an unfamiliar and precarious position, struggling to secure consistent results. With only three points from four games, Nigeria’s qualification hopes seem increasingly slim. To add to the challenge, the team is currently without a permanent coach, a situation that has further complicated their ability to rally for a strong qualification campaign.
A Rocky Road to Recovery
The Super Eagles’ path to the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will require a dramatic turnaround. The team’s dismal record over the past 12 months—winning just nine of their 18 matches, with three of those victories coming from penalty shootouts—only adds to the skepticism surrounding their ability to qualify.
With six matches left, starting with a crucial tie against Rwanda in Kigali on March 17, 2025, the Super Eagles must display the kind of resilience and determination that has eluded them in recent years. Their next games will include home matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, as well as a challenging away fixture against South Africa, followed by encounters with Lesotho and Benin Republic.
Ex-internationals have raised concerns about the current lack of discipline in the squad, which has been cited as a significant factor undermining Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions. The players’ indiscipline, late arrivals at camp, and lack of cohesion have raised alarms about the team’s commitment. Some former players, like Vitalis Udeze and Ogenyi Onazi, have expressed frustration with the deteriorating standards and lack of accountability within the squad.
Leadership and Discipline: The Missing Pieces
For the Super Eagles to have any chance at qualifying, they will need strong leadership, both on and off the pitch. Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has yet to instill the discipline needed to transform the team’s fortunes. His authority has been questioned due to his interim status, and ex-players believe that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) must take decisive action to restore order within the team.
Veterans like Vincent Enyeama and Victor Agali have criticized the NFF for fostering an environment of indiscipline, pointing to the lack of timely sanctions for players who show up late to camp or fail to adhere to team rules. They argue that the NFF has allowed certain influential players to act with impunity, undermining the overall team spirit.
Optimism Amidst Doubt
Despite these challenges, some football experts and former players remain hopeful that Nigeria can still make it to the World Cup. Henry Nwosu, former Super Eagles captain, believes that Nigeria can still qualify, provided they focus on their games and give equal opportunities to home-based players, who could bring the hunger and commitment the team needs.
Sani Toro, former secretary general of the Nigeria Football Association, also backs Eguavoen to continue as coach, citing his rapport with the players and the importance of continuity in leadership. Toro suggests that a foreign coach might disrupt the team’s stability at this critical juncture.
However, others, like former international Waidi Akanni, believe that the road to qualification is fraught with difficulty. While not dismissing the possibility, Akanni cautions that the Super Eagles must win every remaining match and hope for mistakes from their rivals, such as South Africa and Rwanda, to stand any chance.
The Road Ahead
With time running out, the Super Eagles must rally to prove that they still have what it takes to represent Nigeria on the global stage. As the 2026 World Cup draws nearer, the country’s footballing future rests on the shoulders of its players, coaches, and administrators.
For now, Nigerians are left holding their breath, hoping that the Super Eagles can defy the odds and secure their place at football’s most prestigious tournament. The task is daunting, but as in football, anything can happen. The Super Eagles’ fate is in their own hands—if they can overcome their internal struggles and rediscover the discipline and determination that once made them a force to be reckoned with.
