Despite the Super Eagles’ challenging form in their World Cup qualifying journey, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remains optimistic about their chances of making it to the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
After six games played, Nigeria sits in fourth place in Group C with just seven points—six behind South Africa, who top the standings with 13.
The qualification campaign kicked off in November 2023 with two frustrating draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, setting a slow pace for the three-time African champions.
Following their runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast (held between January and February 2024), the Eagles’ form didn’t improve. They recorded another draw, this time at home in Uyo against South Africa, and then suffered a 2-1 loss to the Benin Republic in June 2024.
The first half of the qualifiers was overseen by two different coaches—Jose Peseiro and Finidi George—who each managed two fixtures. In March, Franco-Malian tactician Eric Chelle took over, leading the team to a 2-0 away victory over Rwanda and a 1-1 draw at home against Zimbabwe. After six matches, Nigeria has only seven points.
Despite trailing the top of the group, Nwabali is not giving up on qualification.
“We are working towards it. I know it’s not going to be easy. We are Nigeria doesn’t mean we are going to win every one. But we are going to see how we gto. We still have a lot of hope and we still feel like we are going to qualify,” Nwabali said during William Troost-Ekong’s charity event in Lagos.
Nigeria’s quest could receive a major boost, as South Africa faces possible sanctions after allegedly fielding an ineligible player—an issue that could cost them crucial points and tighten the group.
The Super Eagles are set to return to World Cup qualification action in September after a busy schedule in June.
Earlier this month, they clinched the Unity Cup in London with wins over Ghana and Jamaica, and also held Russia to a 1-1 draw in a friendly.
With four fixtures left to play, Chelle’s side will host Rwanda and then visit South Africa in September. Their final games are scheduled for October—away to Lesotho and at home against the Benin Republic.
