Following Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa on Friday in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Nigeria risks not qualifying for the world cup
The last time the Super Eagles featured in the tournament was in 2018.
The three-time African champions were missing in 2022 when it was held in Qatar. It came down to a two-legged play-off against fierce rivals, Ghana. The first leg in Kumasi ended goalless. In Abuja, the Black Stars held on for a 1-1 draw.
The quest to play at the next one in Mexico, USA and Canada didn’t start well.
Nigeria were held to a 1-1 home draw by Lesotho in their Group C opener, before coming from behind to draw again with Zimbabwe in their second match.
Between those matches and Friday’s clash with South Africa in Uyo, Jose Peseiro left his role as head coach and was replaced by Finidi George.
Finidi’s starting XI to face Bafana Bafana was quite interesting. Paul Onuachu, Ademola Lookman and Kelechi Iheanacho started in attack with Alex Iwobi behind them. In Victor Osimhen’s absence, Victor Boniface was expected to spearhead the attack. But he was left on the bench along with Terem Moffi and Samuel Chukwueze.
Themba Zwane opened the scoring, after tip-toeing his way through Nigeria’s defence. And although Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalized with his first international goal, there was no comeback.
The three successive 1-1 draws mean the Super Eagles sit in fifth position in Group C.
If they want to play in the World Cup again, they have to win all the remaining seven games.
Ultimately, there were more good signs than bad, and it is a performance we can build on.”
Finidi George Under Fire As Eagles Fail To Fly Against South Africa
