By: Kamal Yalwa: September 9, 2025
Nigeria’s quest to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains uncertain following a 1-1 draw with South Africa in a crucial Group C qualifier on Tuesday evening in Bloemfontein.
The result, while hard-fought, leaves the Super Eagles further adrift in the race for an automatic qualification spot and raises pressing questions: Can Nigeria still qualify for the World Cup?
Here’s what we know.
Tuesday’s draw was yet another frustrating chapter in what has been a turbulent qualifying campaign for Nigeria. Missing key players, most notably striker Victor Osimhen due to injury, the Super Eagles once again showed flashes of quality — but failed to convert chances into three points.
An own goal by William Troost-Ekong gave South Africa the lead before Calvin Bassey headed in the equaliser before half-time. Despite dominating parts of the second half, Nigeria couldn’t find a winner, leaving them outside the automatic qualification places.
South Africa remain top of Group C, maintaining a comfortable lead over their rivals. Nigeria, meanwhile, are now at risk of falling behind both South Africa and another key contender depending on other matchday results.
With only the top team in each group guaranteed automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria’s position is precarious.
Nigeria still has matches left to play, but the margin for error is now virtually non-existent. To stand a chance of direct qualification, the Super Eagles must:
- Win all remaining fixtures, home and away
- Hope South Africa or other top rivals drop points
- Maintain a superior goal difference if it comes down to a tiebreaker
If direct qualification slips out of reach, Nigeria could still be in contention for a CAF play-off spot, which allows certain group runners-up to fight for a final place via intercontinental play-offs.
The draw against South Africa underlined some of the team’s recurring issues — defensive lapses, missed chances, and lack of consistency in attack. Head coach Eric Sekou Chelle now faces increasing pressure to turn things around quickly.
While qualification remains mathematically possible, the Super Eagles must deliver near-perfect performances in their remaining matches — and hope results elsewhere go their way.
Yes, Nigeria can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — but the path is now steep, and every remaining game is effectively a must-win. Anything less, and Africa’s most populous nation could miss out on football’s biggest stage.
