Despite a shaky start to their qualifying campaign. Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remains confident that Nigeria still has a strong chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Currently sitting fourth in Group C with just seven points from six matches. The Super Eagles trail group leaders South Africa, who sit at the top with 13 points. The campaign began on a slow note, with Nigeria recording back-to-back draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in November 2023.
Following their impressive second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Ivory Coast. The team struggled to regain form. A home draw against South Africa in Uyo was followed by a disappointing 2-1 loss to Benin Republic in June 2024.
The first four matches were split between former managers Jose Peseiro and Finidi George. While newly appointed Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle took over in March 2024. Under Chelle, Nigeria claimed a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali before settling for a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe at home.
Still, Stanley Nwabali believes qualification is possible. Speaking during William Troost-Ekong’s charity match in Lagos, he said, “We are working towards it. It won’t be easy, but we still believe. We have hope and we feel we can qualify.”
Interestingly, Nigeria’s chances may also receive a boost as South Africa could face a points deduction for fielding an ineligible player earlier in the qualifiers.
The Super Eagles will resume their qualifying quest in September, facing Rwanda at home and South Africa away. In October, they will clash with Lesotho (away) and Benin Republic (home) to wrap up the campaign.
With four crucial games left, hope remains alive for Nwabali and the Super Eagles.
