Nigeria’s hopes of playing in the 2026 World Cup are dwindling rapidly, casting a shadow over the Super Eagles’ future. The team last graced the World Cup stage in 2018 but missed out in 2022 after a heartbreaking play-off loss to Ghana. Now, the path to the next tournament in Mexico, USA, and Canada looks bleak.
The Super Eagles’ campaign began on a sour note, with disappointing draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe. These results led to the departure of head coach Jose Peseiro, paving the way for Finidi George to take the helm. Finidi’s debut match against South Africa in Uyo didn’t go as planned, ending in a 1-1 draw.
Finidi’s selection raised eyebrows. While notable strikers Victor Boniface, Terem Moffi, and Samuel Chukwueze were benched, Paul Onuachu, Ademola Lookman, and Kelechi Iheanacho started. Themba Zwane exploited a shaky Nigerian defense to score first, and although Fisayo Dele-Bashiru netted an equalizer, the comeback fell short.
Football analyst Clinton McDubus remarked on the situation: “Finidi’s team showed promise but also glaring mistakes, especially with Onuachu, who disrupted our rhythm.” McDubus highlighted Iwobi’s midfield creativity but lamented the missed opportunities.
With three consecutive 1-1 draws, Nigeria sits fifth in Group C. The team must win all seven remaining matches to keep their World Cup dream alive. “No wins from three games is a terrible start,” McDubus noted. “But if we can’t win the rest, we don’t deserve to be at the World Cup.”
Despite the grim outlook, there’s hope. Other teams in the group could draw points off each other, giving Nigeria a fighting chance. The Super Eagles must now focus on delivering flawless performances to turn their fortunes around. The pressure is on, and the road ahead is tough, but with determination and strategy, Nigeria’s World Cup dreams may yet be revived.
