Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup dream is turning into a nightmare and qualification hopes is already spiraling into disaster. A 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo has left the Super Eagles struggling in Group C. With just one win in six matches, the road to next year’s mundial for the West Africans looks bleak.
On Tuesday, Victor Osimhen’s 74th-minute goal raised hopes, but a stoppage-time equaliser from Huddersfield Town player (on loan from Wolves) Tawanda Chirewa silenced the home crowd.
The disappointment was evident as Osimhen stormed off after the full-time whistle in frustration, refusing to interact with anyone. Sadiq Umar tried to comfort him but his efforts proved too little to cheer up the former Lille striker. Also, Victor Boniface, who replaced him (Osimhen) late in the game, ran to talk to him but the Galatasaray man kept shrugging him off, throwing his arm in the air.
ALSO READ:
- 2026 WC qualifier: Fans, journalists frustrated as Super Eagles drop points against Zimbabwe
- World Cup qualifier: Chelle names unchanged Super Eagles XI against Zimbabwe
- Trent Alexander-Arnold edges closer to Real Madrid move on free transfer
- 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Nigeria to face South Africa, Benin, three others in Group C
Having beaten Rwanda four days earlier in Kigali, Nigerians became hopeful and the belief was there for the Super Eagles to grab maximum six points from the two World Cup qualifying matches.
However, following that result against the Warriors, it seems the ‘Giants of Africa’ are now on the verge of missing out on back-to-back World Cup tournaments.
The match showcased deeper issues beyond poor results. Nigeria’s inability to defeat teams like Lesotho and Zimbabwe raises serious concerns. If the Super Eagles cannot dominate lesser rated teams at home, do they truly deserve a spot in the World Cup?
Coaching instability and tactical confusion
Nigeria has shuffled between four coaches in this qualifying campaign. Finidi George, who replaced Jose Peseiro, showed little motivation before stepping down, while Augustine Eguavoen seemed more comfortable in his technical director role. The arrival of Eric Chelle feels like a last-minute scramble rather than a strategic appointment.
This lack of stability has impacted performance. In 2018, Nigeria topped a group featuring Algeria, Cameroon, and Zambia with a game to spare. That was a massive achievement and it was celebrated nationwide.
Now, they are struggling against nations like Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Lesotho, and Benin Republic (no disrespect to these amazing countries) that were once considered easy opponents.
That group – from the 2018 World Cup qualifiers – was, in fact, named “Group of death” to show how tough it was. But the Super Eagles still qualified with a game in hand.
The decision to sack Gernot Rohr without a proven replacement looks like a costly mistake. Nigeria’s descent from AFCON finalists to chasing Lesotho, Rwanda, and Benin for a second-place finish is alarming.
Is there still a way to qualify?
With four matches of the qualification series left, Nigeria sits fourth in Group C with seven points, six behind leaders South Africa. Rwanda and Benin are one point each above Nigeria. The group winner earns an automatic World Cup ticket, while the four best second-placed teams will enter playoffs.
To have any chance, Nigeria must win all remaining matches and hope for favourable results elsewhere. Even that might not be enough. The team needs a strong tactical identity, better leadership, and a renewed fighting spirit.
Nine African teams will qualify for the World Cup. If Nigeria cannot finish top of their group, their last hope lies in securing a playoff spot. But with this form, even that seems unlikely.
African nations were divided into nine groups of six teams each. The team that tops each group secures a direct spot at the World Cup. Meanwhile, the four best second-placed teams across all groups will enter a playoff round, where one team will advance to the intercontinental playoffs.
The intercontinental playoffs will feature six teams: one each from Africa, Asia, South America, and Oceania, along with two from North and Central America. These teams will compete for the final two spots at the FIFA World Cup.
Final thoughts
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread. Poor coaching decisions, lacklustre performances, and a lack of direction have placed the team in a precarious position. If nothing changes, missing back-to-back World Cups for the first time in 35 years will be inevitable.
The Super Eagles need more than just luck—they need a miracle.
Tags: Nigeria’s World Cup dream, #NGAZIM, #FIFAWCQ, #2026WCQ, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnews, #nrtcnigeria, #SoarSuperEagles, #nrtcsports, Super Eagles, Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Tawanda Chirewa, Zimbabwe, Huddersfield Town, Wolves, Eric Chelle, Gernot Rohr, Finidi George, Lesotho, Rwanda, Group C.
