The Super Eagles of Nigeria are in a dire situation in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, but they will soon know their fate, with the final set of games in the series coming up within the next three days.
Nigeria currently sit third in Group C of the qualifiers, behind South Africa and leaders Benin. But all three teams have a good chance at qualifying, but they will need to defeat Benin and hope that South Africa drop points against Rwanda.
However, just in case South Africa win, Nigeria can still finish second and qualify for the playoffs by being one of the best second-placed teams.
But it is not so straightforward. The Super Eagles will still need results in other centers to go their way.
Who Are The Teams The Super Eagles Should Be Watching?
First of all, it is important to establish that for Nigeria to have even a half chance of making the playoffs, they must beat Benin in Uyo.
As it stands, Gabon have already sealed their place in the playoffs, as no other team outside of the current four can overthrow them.
The countries Nigeria can upstage are Niger, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Niger, and DR Congo. There is also Uganda in the mix.
Madagascar will not pose a problem to Nigeria because they were thrashed 4-0 by Mali and can't make it.
Meanwhile, Cameroon have a game against Angola at home, as DR Congo welcome Sudan. If these countries win their games, the Super Eagles won't be able to reach their points tally.
Decisive moments ahead in today’s African #WCQ matches. pic.twitter.com/PI2pz4nuOj
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) October 13, 2025
The countries we can realistically upstage are Niger, Burkina Faso. And Uganda, who play Algeria in their final game.
Goals Difference Might Be A Problem
The Super Eagles last game against Lesotho was an opportunity for them to improve on their goals difference, but they missed it. That might now come back to haunt then.
Nigeria has a weak goals difference at +3. So the lads have to get a win with a three-goal margin to put themselves in a decent position.
More games will go on today, and it is a dynamic situation. As such, things might still change today.
