Burkina Faso defender Steeve Yago has voiced his frustration after Nigeria’s Super Eagles edged the Stallions to claim a 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff spot.
Burkina Faso believed their emphatic 3–1 win over Ethiopia had secured their passage to the playoffs. However, when the final standings were released, Nigeria finished ahead — thanks to a superior goal difference. This realisation triggered confusion and anger within the Burkinabe camp.
Despite struggling in front of goal throughout the qualifiers, the Super Eagles rediscovered their attacking edge in Uyo on Tuesday, thumping Benin Republic 4-0 in their final Group C clash. A Victor Osimhen hat-trick plus Frank Onyeka’s thunder shot ensured the emphatic victory.
That result ensured their progression to the playoffs as one of the four best second-placed teams, while South Africa topped the group with a convincing 3-0 victory over Rwanda.
Yago, visibly disappointed, took to Instagram to express his disbelief. “Honestly, it’s strange,” he wrote. “You win your matches against the weakest team in your group, and yet Nigeria is ahead of you, even though they didn’t even beat Zimbabwe, the bottom side in their group. Apparently, beating the last-placed team is too conventional. Thank you, CAF and FIFA!”
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CAF rule clarification and next steps
CAF had clarified back in March 2025 that, due to Eritrea’s withdrawal, second-placed teams from all groups would be ranked without results against the bottom sides in six-team groups. The adjustment was meant to ensure fairness, as Group E contained only five teams instead of six.
With that regulation in play, Nigeria’s adjusted total of 15 points and +11 goal difference placed them among the top four runners-up—alongside Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo. However, Burkina Faso narrowly missed out after the recalculation, finishing just behind the Super Eagles.
The playoff semifinals are scheduled for November 13, 2025, in Morocco. Nigeria will battle Gabon, while Cameroon face DR Congo in the other semi-final. The two winners will meet in the final for a chance to represent Africa in the Intercontinental Playoffs next March in Mexico, where two World Cup slots will be up for grabs.
The road to North America 2026 is proving as controversial as it is competitive—and Yago’s outburst has only added fuel to the debate.
Tags: Steeve Yago, #SoarSuperEagles, Super Eagles, Burkina Faso, CAF, Stallions, 2026 World Cup playoffs, Benin Republic.
