Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been handed a lifeline in their pursuit of a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Eritrea officially withdrew from the qualification process — a turn of events that has subtly but significantly shifted the dynamics in Group C. With eight matches played, Nigeria currently occupy third place on 11 points, trailing Benin (14) and South Africa who lead the group with 17.
The Eagles’ campaign has been uneven. Early losses and draws under successive coaches – first under José Peseiro and then interim Finidi George – saw Nigeria drop valuable ground in the standings. Draws against Zimbabwe and South Africa in key fixtures, compounded by a defeat to Benin, all but dimmed their hopes of finishing in the top two. In response to this shaky ride, the Nigeria Football Federation replaced Finidi George with former Mali coach Éric Chelle in January 2025; under Chelle the Eagles have improved, collecting two wins and two draws in four matches.
What makes Eritrea’s withdrawal especially important is its potential ripple effect on how runners-up are compared across different CAF groups. According to reporting, when Eritrea pulled out, CAF’s rules — echoing past precedent — may lead to results against the fourth-placed teams in affected groups being discounted when ranking second-place finishers. This adjustment could improve Nigeria’s standing in that comparison, offering a pathway to the inter-confederation playoff even if they do not finish second in Group C outright.
Issues beyond the pitch have also stirred controversy. Nigeria and others have raised concerns about South Africa fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in a match against Lesotho in 2023. If sanctions are applied, this could further shake up the group standings.
For now, though, the Eagles’ target remains clear: finish second in their group, secure the chance at the inter-confederation playoff, and capitalise on the window opened by Eritrea’s exit. Nigeria will need favourable results in their remaining fixtures, and perhaps a bit of luck in how rules are applied across groups.
As it stands, the Super Eagles’ World Cup dream is far from over. With tactical improvements under Chelle and external circumstances shifting in their favour, a previously beleaguered qualification campaign may yet find its foot in the door. The next few matches, and decisions from CAF and FIFA on eligibility issues and group-ranking rules, could make all the difference.
