The Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification hopes have been handed a surprise boost after Eritrea officially pulled out of the CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria, who currently sit third in Group C with 11 points from eight games, had been facing the real possibility of missing another Mundial. South Africa lead the group with 17 points, while Benin Republic occupy second spot on 14 points with a game in hand.
Eritrea’s exit, however, changes the equation. The Eritrea Football Association withdrew its men’s national team over fears that players might seek political asylum during away matches. Their withdrawal has major implications, as CAF rules now exclude results against the bottom-placed teams when comparing runners-up across groups. This gives Nigeria a potential lifeline in their quest for at least a playoff spot.
Nigeria’s Rocky Qualification Campaign
The Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifying journey has been far from smooth. Former coach Jose Peseiro managed only two draws before his dismissal, while Finidi George oversaw a disappointing 2–1 loss to Benin Republic and another draw.
Since January 2025, Eric Chelle has been in charge, bringing some stability with two wins and two draws. However, missed chances against Zimbabwe and South Africa have left Nigeria’s fate hanging by a thread. A costly 1–1 draw with Bafana Bafana, which included an own goal from captain William Troost-Ekong, further dented their hopes.
The New Equation After Eritrea’s Withdrawal
With Eritrea out, Nigeria can now dream again. Their best chances remain slim but possible:
- Direct route (Group Winners): Nigeria must win their last two matches convincingly against Lesotho and Benin Republic, while South Africa lose both remaining games heavily. The Super Eagles would also need to overturn a six-goal difference deficit.
- Second-placed route (Playoffs): If Nigeria finish runners-up, they must rank among the best four across the nine CAF groups. With a maximum possible 17 points, Chelle’s men still trail stronger teams like Gabon, Cameroon, and Burkina Faso. This route depends heavily on other results.
Former FIFA Disciplinary Council member Raymond Hack had earlier hinted that South Africa could face sanctions for fielding an ineligible player, which would have favored Nigeria. But FIFA has since cleared Bafana Bafana, meaning the Super Eagles’ qualification path now rests solely on their own results and Eritrea’s absence.
“A Slim but Real Chance”
Fans remain hopeful that the team can seize this opportunity. As one Nigerian supporter put it after the Bloemfontein setback on September 9: “It’s unfortunate, but if the Super Eagles win big and South Africa collapse, we can still qualify. It’s now in the hands of God and our players.”
What Lies Ahead
To keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive, Nigeria must:
- Win both remaining games with big scorelines.
- Hope South Africa falter in their fixtures.
- Rely on goal difference swings and favorable CAF rankings.
The task is enormous, but not impossible. Eritrea’s withdrawal has reopened the door. For the Super Eagles, it’s now all about fighting until the last whistle — because their World Cup qualification race is not yet over.
