Super Eagles: How Nigeria can still secure 2026 World Cup qualification

The Super Eagles are determined to overcome their recent struggles and secure a spot at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This edition marks the first time the tournament will feature 48 teams, increasing Africa’s allocation and providing Nigeria with an opportunity to return to the world stage after missing out on Qatar 2022.

Nigeria have previously participated in six World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2018). Since their debut at USA ‘94, the West Africans have only failed to qualify twice, in 2006 and 2022.

Super Eagles: How Nigeria can still secure 2026 World Cup qualification — Photo by IMAGO

However, their current qualification campaign has been anything but smooth, leaving their hopes hanging by a thread.

Group C: Super Eagles' rank in 2026 FIFA WCQ

The Super Eagles were drawn in CAF Group C alongside South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Lesotho. Only the group winner will qualify automatically, while the runner-up could advance to a second round for a chance to compete in the inter-confederation playoffs.

With seven matches played out of ten, Nigeria sit third in their six-team group with 10 points. However, they remain within striking distance of the top spots, trailing second-place Benin by a single point. Group leaders South Africa hold a six-point advantage, though that gap could be reduced to three if FIFA sanctions them for fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who should have been serving a suspension, against Lesotho.

Group C results & schedule

The Super Eagles’ campaign has been frustrating, with four draws, one loss and two wins in their opening seven games. Here are the results of Group C fixtures played so far, with Nigeria's results highlighted.

Matchday 1 (November 2023)

Nigeria 1-1 Lesotho
Rwanda 0-0 Zimbabwe
South Africa 2-1 Benin

Matchday 2 (November 2023)

Zimbabwe 1-1 Nigeria
Lesotho 0-0 Benin
Rwanda 2-0 South Africa

Matchday 3 (June 2024)

Nigeria 1-1 South Africa
Zimbabwe 0-2 Lesotho
Benin 1-0 Rwanda

Super Eagles lineup today: Will Lookman step up in Osimhen’s absence? — Photo by Icon Sport

Matchday 4 (June 2024)

Benin 2-1 Nigeria
Lesotho 0-1 Rwanda
South Africa 3-1 Zimbabwe

Matchday 5 (March 2025)

Rwanda 0 -2 Nigeria

South Africa 2-0 Lesotho
Zimbabwe 2-2 Benin

Matchday 6 (March 2025)

Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe
Rwanda 1-1 Lesotho
Benin 0-2 South Africa

Matchday 7 (September 2025)

Nigeria 1-0 Rwanda
Lesotho 0-3 South Africa
Benin 1-0 Zimbabwe

With three games remaining, the Super Eagles must significantly improve and rely on favorable results elsewhere to secure automatic qualification. Eric Chelle’s side will aim for a major scalp when they face South Africa up next in September.

The remaining Group C fixtures as follows.