The Super Eagles’ qualification campaign have taken another twist, as their upcoming opponents, Zimbabwe, have been promised a $300,000 cash incentive to pull off a shock win against Nigeria and Benin in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Warriors, including their technical crew and support staff, will receive $150,000 from the Zimbabwean government if they defeat Benin’s Cheetahs.
An additional $150,000 has been earmarked should they stun Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Uyo, a reward that could be seen as both motivation to the Warriors and an insult to the three-time African champions by virtue of its modesty.
Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification hopes hanging by a thread
Nigeria’s road to the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico has been anything but smooth. The Super Eagles have failed to secure a single victory in four qualifiers, sitting fifth in Group C behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.
Under previous coaches José Peseiro and Finidi George, they managed only three draws and one defeat, leaving their chances of qualification in serious jeopardy.
| Ranking – World Cup Qualification CAF Grp. C – 2023/2025 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | Team | Pts | P | W | D | L | Diff | GF | GA |
|
1
|
South Africa
|
13 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 5 |
|
2
|
Rwanda
|
8 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
|
3
|
Benin
|
8 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | -1 | 6 | 7 |
|
4
|
Nigeria
|
7 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 6 |
|
5
|
Lesotho
|
6 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | -1 | 4 | 5 |
|
6
|
Zimbabwe
|
4 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 2 | -4 | 5 | 9 |
Rwanda currently leads the group with seven points, four ahead of Nigeria, making the upcoming fixtures crucial for the Super Eagles. Anything less than victory would further damage their already fragile qualification hopes.
In a much-needed boost, star striker Victor Osimhen is set to return after missing Nigeria’s first four qualifiers. The Napoli forward, who has been in superb form for his club, is expected to spearhead the attack.
New head coach Eric Chelle, appointed to turn around Nigeria’s faltering campaign, faces an uphill battle. His immediate task is to rally the squad and secure a must-win result, with the Super Eagles desperate to avoid missing back-to-back World Cups for the first time in their history.
