Three-time African champions, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, head into the final stretch of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on borrowed time.
Sitting second in Group C with 17 points, just a point behind group leaders Bafana Bafana of South Africa, who finished on 18 points, Nigeria has secured a playoff spot but missed automatic qualification.
Meanwhile, the Benin Republic national football team also ended with 17 points but a lesser goal difference, dropping to third and missing out altogether.
It is worth noting that in Africa's qualifying format, only group winners go straight to the World Cup. Four of the runners-up will advance to a playoff to fight for the remaining places. Nigeria now must navigate that tricky path just to stay alive.
The current problems are far from new. The Super Eagles' fall from reliable qualifiers to struggling entrants has been building for some time. In earlier cycles, Nigeria has undergone frequent coaching changes, undermining continuity.
For example, the German coach Gernot Rohr, who led Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup, was sacked in December 2021 amid fan frustration.
His successor, José Peseiro, took the job in May 2022 and helped Nigeria reach the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, but left in March 2024 with the World Cup ticket still unconfirmed.
The appointment of Éric Chelle in January 2025 to salvage the campaign points to how desperate the situation has become.
As seasoned pundits have noted, the team lacks direction, consistency, and the structural backing to fulfil its potential.
The Super Eagles began their campaign poorly, drawing and stumbling early on. A much-needed 4-0 home win against Benin Republic, with a hat-trick from Victor Osimhen, on October 14 2025, gave Nigeria a lifeline, pushing them into second place and ensuring a playoff berth.
A spirited performance by the Napoli forward rekindled Nigeria's hopes in the final group game on October 14 2025.
The patriotic display saw Nigeria demolish the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria.
The result temporarily pushed Nigeria to the top of Group C before South Africa's 2-1 victory over Rwanda restored their lead and confirmed their qualification.
Sports analysts have described Osimhen's display as the spark the Eagles had lacked all season.
His goals lifted the team's morale after a string of uninspired performances that had cast doubt on their 2026 World Cup ambitions.
However, a previous draw with Zimbabwe and failure to overtake South Africa illustrate the margins slipping away. South Africa's win against Rwanda sealed their top spot.
With automatic qualification gone, Nigeria now face a high-stakes playoff route, where one bad moment could end the campaign.
Now the Super Eagles must win the playoff semi-final. The Nigerian team face the Gabon national football team in an all-West African tie in November.
Nigeria must secure a win in the final match to become one of the four best runners-up and move into the inter-continental playoffs.
The Super Eagles must rebuild quickly, address vulnerabilities, and cope with the mental pressure of being second best rather than favourites.
With so many recent coach changes, the team lacks a long-term vision. However, consistent performance, not flashes of brilliance, big wins like that against the Benin Republic need to become the norm for Nigeria, not the exception.
If the Super Eagles hope to not only qualify for Mexico/Canada/USA 2026 but also redeem their image as African heavyweights, they must act now. Nigerian fans await the playoffs, and they expect no more slips.
In an exclusive chat with Naija News correspondent, Nigerian football expert and photojournalist, Sulaiman Pooja Adebayor, popularly known as POOJA, shared his insights on the Super Eagles and the way forward for Nigeria in the final struggle to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
When asked what emotions or body language he has noticed among players and coaches having moved closer to them during matches and training sessions, Pooja said: "Great body language, especially against Benin Republic. It was a game the country needed & from arriving in Uyo, the mentality was obvious."
"There is a good relationship with Chelle," he admitted.
Many Nigerians believe the Super Eagles have one of the strongest squads in Africa. Why do you think the team is still struggling to qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
"Coaches' instability can affect teams, and Nigeria is a victim of that. Using three different managers to execute the World Cup qualifiers can help any team.
"NFF should plan for the long term and not this quick fix", Pooja noted.
From your professional assessment, is the issue more tactical, psychological, or managerial?
"I think it's more tactical. It's the World Cup and I don't think any player wants to miss it, but when you have different managers, it affects your adaptability," the football expert said.
How would you assess the NFF's (Nigeria Football Federation) role in the team's current struggles?
Pooja replied, saying, "I think the NFF can do better. In their own right, they are trying, but Nigerians want more. Because the age-grade teams that should be the talent pool for the Super Eagles are struggling.
We need the NFF to focus more on that so that we won't suffer in the future."
Nigeria has elite players in top European leagues. Why do they seem disconnected when playing together for the national team?
"Like I said, tactics of the coach. Bad selections, playing in different roles and less time to train with themselves, plus adapting to African football.
"Look at the stadium in South Africa, how can European players perform on that pitch?" the Photojournalist observed.
From your visual perspective, does the body language of the coaching crew inspire confidence?
"Yes, there is a strong connection between both parties. They know the importance of going to the World Cup and, in training, even in press conferences, there is a strong connection," Pooja noted.
What's your take on how Nigerian fans and media have reacted to the team's recent struggles?
"The fans have all the rights to be angry. We are in a group with Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda, and we couldn't get 20 points? Despite being the highest-ranked team? Fans want good results always, and the players understand the fans."
Do you think Nigeria can make it to the 2026 World Cup through the Playoffs? And do you think missing another World Cup could affect the reputation of Nigerian football internationally?
Pooja expressed optimism, saying, "If Nigeria played the way they did against the Benin Republic, no team can beat us in Africa.
About changes that must happen immediately for Nigeria to revive its qualification hopes, the football expert concluded, saying, "Just mentality. We have the players, we just need everyone to be mentally ready for the playoffs."
Ikpeba stressed that the playoffs present "a lifeline" that must not be wasted.
Speaking on Monday Night Football on SuperSport TV on October 20, Ikpeba, a member of Nigeria's 1994 AFCON-winning squad and the 1998 World Cup team, said it was vital for the players to stay focused and motivated.
"We can qualify for the World Cup. It is another chance for them to play at the World Cup," the former Monaco striker said.
"They have a second lifeline, and they have to grab it."
Ikpeba warned that the playoffs would not be easy but expressed confidence that Nigeria has the quality to secure qualification if they remain disciplined and united.