Table of Contents
- Nigerians' Initial Doubts
- The Qualifying Campaign
- Upcoming Matches
- Preparation Challenges
- Past Performance
There was a time when Nigerians had completely dismissed the national team's chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
The qualifying campaign was quite unpredictable.
However, a strong finish allowed the Super Eagles to surpass favorites Benin Republic, securing the second spot in Group C on the final day.
This achievement means that Eric Chelle's squad advanced to the African playoffs as one of the best runners-up.
On Thursday, they will face Gabon in the first semi-final, while Cameroon will take on DR Congo in the second semi-final.
By Sunday, we will know which African nation will progress to the FIFA intercontinental playoff tournament in March, the last obstacle to qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The Super Eagles' preparation for the playoffs has been less than ideal.
With only 48 hours remaining before the match, players and officials were in a standoff with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over unpaid bonuses, resulting in a training boycott.
This issue was resolved yesterday, but one has to wonder if Chelle has had sufficient time to refine his squad and strengthen his tactical strategy for the challenging match against the Panthers.
Nigeria missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and with nine slots allocated to Africa this time, there are high hopes for their return to the tournament.
Previously, they lost the second leg of their playoff against Ghana on home soil. This time in Rabat, they must overcome two rivals from the continent to advance to the next stage of qualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of Nigeria's World Cup qualification?
Nigeria has advanced to the African playoffs as one of the best runners-up and will compete for a spot in the FIFA intercontinental playoff tournament.
Who are Nigeria's opponents in the playoffs?
In the playoffs, Nigeria will first face Gabon, while Cameroon will compete against DR Congo.
What challenges has the Super Eagles faced in their preparation?
The Super Eagles faced a significant challenge with a standoff over unpaid bonuses, which led to a temporary training boycott before the issue was resolved.
