Super Eagles’ World Cup Hopes Hang in the Balance After Costly Draw Against Zimbabwe

The Super Eagles’ hopes of securing a direct ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup took a significant hit after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Despite taking the lead through star striker Victor Osimhen, a last-minute equalizer from Tawanda Chirewa left Nigeria with just a single point from a match they were expected to win. The result was a major setback, especially on the same day that South Africa claimed a crucial 2-0 victory over Benin Republic in Abidjan, putting Bafana Bafana firmly in control of Group C with 13 points from six matches. Nigeria, now with just seven points from six games, faces an uphill battle in their quest for World Cup qualification.

Wilfred Ndidi with the Super Eagles

The current standings in the group reflect the enormity of the challenge ahead. South Africa leads with 13 points, followed by Rwanda and Benin Republic, who are tied on eight points. Nigeria sits fourth on the table with seven points, just one ahead of Lesotho, while Zimbabwe remains at the bottom with four. With only the group winner earning an automatic World Cup berth and the four best second-placed teams from the nine groups advancing to the intercontinental playoffs, Nigeria must now navigate a narrow and difficult path to qualification.

The Super Eagles still have four games left in the qualifying series and must deliver near-perfect performances to stand a realistic chance of making it to the World Cup. Their next match, a home fixture against Rwanda in September 2025, is a must-win. Anything less than three points in that encounter would significantly reduce their chances of qualification. A victory would push Nigeria to 10 points, and depending on South Africa’s result against Lesotho, the gap at the top could be narrowed.

Following that, Nigeria will travel to face South Africa in what could be a decisive fixture. A win in that match is crucial, as it would not only add three points to Nigeria’s tally but also directly weaken the group’s leaders. Should the Super Eagles defeat both Rwanda and South Africa, they could be level or be within striking distance of the top spot, setting the stage for a dramatic finish in the final two matches.

The last two games of the campaign against Lesotho and Benin Republic will also be critical. Wins in those fixtures could take Nigeria’s total points to 19, which might be enough to secure top spot, depending on how South Africa fares in their remaining matches. Given the unpredictable nature of the qualifiers, the Super Eagles cannot afford any further slip-ups. Even a single draw could be costly, as competition for both the top spot and the playoff positions is fierce.

If Nigeria fails to win the group, their next best hope lies in finishing among the four best second-placed teams across the nine groups. This route is highly competitive and will depend on results from other groups. Accumulating as many points as possible will be key, as only the highest-scoring runners-up will have a shot at the intercontinental playoffs. The Super Eagles will need not only victories but also convincing performances to boost their goal difference, which could be a crucial tiebreaker in the final standings.

The road ahead is tough but not impossible. Nigeria must step up their performances, minimize defensive lapses, and be more clinical in front of goal. The team has struggled with consistency in this campaign, and the coaching staff must find a way to get the best out of the squad in the remaining fixtures. With the right approach, a fighting spirit, and a bit of luck, the Super Eagles can still turn things around and secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, they must treat every remaining match like a final, as there is now no more room for error.