Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a serious blow by one of the nation’s respected former internationals, Emmanuel Babayaro, who believes qualification is now out of reach for the Super Eagles, Footynaija.com reports.
As it stands, Nigeria are fourth in Group C of the African qualifiers with just seven points from six games. The Super Eagles have managed only one win, four draws, and a defeat, while group leaders South Africa sit six points ahead with 13 points. Only the group winner will secure automatic qualification to the World Cup.
Speaking with blunt honesty, Babayaro, a former Olympic gold medallist and elder brother to Celestine Babayaro, said Nigeria’s qualification chances are not realistic anymore.
“In reality, we are not going to qualify,” he stated. “Yes, as a Nigerian I would love to see our flag at the 2026 World Cup, but we must face the facts. Other teams will not simply lose all their matches while we win all of ours.”
The Super Eagles, under the guidance of head coach Eric Chelle, still have four matches to play. While the team boasts top talents like Victor Osimhen, who scored twice in the away win over Rwanda, results have been inconsistent, and time is running out.
As revealed in an exclusive interview with BSN Sports, Babayaro did not sugar-coat his words, urging fans and officials to temper expectations with realism.
However, not everyone shares Babayaro’s gloom. Ambassador Fanny Amun, former General Secretary of the NFF and coach of Nigeria’s 1993 U-17 World Cup-winning team, remains optimistic.
“Nigeria has a history of surprising the world,” he said. “The current situation may not favour us on paper, but football is unpredictable. As a patriotic Nigerian, I strongly believe the Super Eagles can still qualify.”
Amun added with belief, “Nigeria will shock everyone and claim the group’s sole ticket to the World Cup.”
With only one automatic spot available, the Super Eagles must win all four remaining games and hope for favourable results elsewhere. Group C is tight, with Rwanda and Benin both on eight points, meaning any slip-up could prove decisive.