The Super Eagles are determined to overcome their recent struggles and secure a spot at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
This edition marks the first time the tournament will feature 48 teams, increasing Africa’s allocation and providing Nigeria with an opportunity to return to the world stage after missing out on Qatar 2022.
Nigeria have previously participated in six World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2018). Since their debut at USA ‘94, the West Africans have only failed to qualify twice, in 2006 and 2022.
However, their current qualification campaign has been anything but smooth, leaving their hopes hanging by a thread.
Group C: Super Eagles' rank in 2026 FIFA WCQ
The Super Eagles were drawn in CAF Group C alongside South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Lesotho. Only the group winner will qualify automatically, while the runner-up could advance to a second round for a chance to compete in the inter-confederation playoffs.
With six matches played out of ten, Nigeria sits fourth in their six-team group with just seven points. However, they remain within striking distance of the top spots, trailing second-place Rwanda by a single point. Group leaders South Africa hold a six-point advantage, though that gap could be reduced to three if FIFA sanctions them for fielding an ineligible player.
| Ranking – World Cup Qualification CAF Grp. C – 2023/2025 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | Team | Pts | P | W | D | L | Diff | GF | GA |
|
1
|
South Africa
|
13 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 5 |
|
2
|
Rwanda
|
8 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
|
3
|
Benin
|
8 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | -1 | 6 | 7 |
|
4
|
Nigeria
|
7 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 6 |
|
5
|
Lesotho
|
6 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | -1 | 4 | 5 |
|
6
|
Zimbabwe
|
4 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 2 | -4 | 5 | 9 |
Group C results & schedule
The Super Eagles’ campaign has been frustrating, with three draws and one loss in their opening four games. Here are the results of Group C fixtures played so far, with Nigeria's results highlighted.
Matchday 1 (November 2023)
- Nigeria 1-1 Lesotho
- Rwanda 0-0 Zimbabwe
- South Africa 2-1 Benin
Matchday 2 (November 2023)
- Zimbabwe 1-1 Nigeria
- Lesotho 0-0 Benin
- Rwanda 2-0 South Africa
Matchday 3 (June 2024)
- Nigeria 1-1 South Africa
- Zimbabwe 0-2 Lesotho
- Benin 1-0 Rwanda
Matchday 4 (June 2024)
- Benin 2-1 Nigeria
- Lesotho 0-1 Rwanda
- South Africa 3-1 Zimbabwe
Matchday 5 (March 2025)
- Victor Osimhen 11′
- Victor Osimhen 45′
- Wilfred Ndidi 49′
- Alex Iwobi 90′
- Toluwalase Arokodare 90′
- Djihad Bizimana 46′
- South Africa 2-0 Lesotho
- Zimbabwe 2-2 Benin
Matchday 6 (March 2025)
- Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe
- Rwanda 1-1 Lesotho
- Benin 0-2 South Africa
With four games remaining, Nigeria must significantly improve and rely on favorable results elsewhere to secure automatic qualification. Eric Chelle’s side will aim to reignite their campaign in two crucial matches come September.
Nigeria have no room for error in the second half of their qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles will play each group opponent once more, with the remaining Group C fixtures as follows.
Matchday 7 (September 2025)
- Nigeria vs Rwanda
- Lesotho vs South Africa
- Benin vs Zimbabwe
Matchday 8 (September 2025)
- South Africa vs Nigeria
- Benin vs Lesotho
- Zimbabwe vs Rwanda
Matchday 9 (October 2025)
- Lesotho vs Nigeria
- Zimbabwe vs South Africa
- Rwanda vs Benin
Matchday 10 (October 2025)
- Nigeria vs Benin
- Lesotho vs Zimbabwe
- South Africa vs Rwanda
