The Super Eagles have been handed an unexpected lifeline in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Eritrea withdrew from the CAF qualifiers.
Nigeria, currently third in Group C with 11 points from eight matches, had been staring down the barrel of missing another World Cup after failing to capitalize on draws against Zimbabwe and South Africa. Bafana Bafana lead the group with 17 points, while Benin Republic are second on 14 points.
The Eritrea Football Association pulled their men’s team from the qualifiers, citing fears that players would seek political asylum during away trips. Their exit creates a loophole: CAF rules for comparing runners-up across groups now ignore results against the bottom-placed teams. This levels the playing field and gives Nigeria a shot at qualifying for the inter-confederation playoff, even if they do not finish second in Group C.
Former FIFA Disciplinary Council member Raymond Hack had earlier suggested South Africa could face sanctions for fielding an ineligible player, which would have benefited Nigeria.
However, FIFA has cleared Bafana Bafana, meaning the Super Eagles’ chances now rest solely on their own performances and Eritrea’s absence.
The Super Eagles have endured a turbulent qualifying campaign. Former coach Jose Peseiro managed two draws in his two matches before being sacked. His assistant, Finidi George, oversaw a draw and a 2-1 loss to Benin Republic.
Former Mali coach Eric Chelle, brought in January 2025, steadied the ship with two wins and two draws, but missed opportunities against Zimbabwe and South Africa have kept Nigeria in a precarious position.
With Eritrea gone, Chelle’s men now have a window to rewrite their qualification fate, but they must deliver in the remaining fixtures and hope the CAF rankings work in their favor. One thing is clear: the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is far from over for Nigeria — but there’s no margin for error.
Nigeria’s football fans can only pray the Super Eagles seize this second chance and avoid the heartbreak of missing a second consecutive World Cup.
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