In the opening two fixtures of the CAF World Cup qualifiers, Nigeria picked up two draws and we take a closer look at some of the main talking points from the games.
The Super Eagles went into both fixtures as the favourites to come away with the victory, but the lack of quality meant that they ended up with just two points from a possible six.
1-1 draws to two teams ranked well below them in the FIFA World Rankings – Lesotho in 153 and Zimbabwe in 125 – means qualification will now be a lot tougher than first anticipated.
Lack of attacking threat
It is evident that when Victor Osimhen is not in the Nigerian side, there is a major issue in the attacking third of the pitch, and with the front men failing to supply the goods in the World Cup qualifiers, if seems they are extremely reliant on the injured man.
Although Osimhen is likely to be back fit and firing by the time AFCON comes around next year, it is still worrying signs for the Super Eagles faithful as they oppose virtually zero attacking threat without their talisman in the side. This is despite having many star players available to select from in attacking positions, but the biggest problem has been trying to fit them all into the side efficiently.
Struggle to qualify
If South Africa beat Rwanda on Tuesday night, then Nigeria will find themselves four points behind them after two games played, leaving a mountain to climb if they want to feature at the 2026 World Cup.
There are 10 games to be played over a two year period to fight for a place in the 2026 World Cup, and just one team from the group of six will qualify, so the bad start definitely does not set the Super Eagles in good stead.
Jose Peseiro could be in trouble
Jose Peseiro has certainly come under some scrutiny in recent times as he has failed to guide the Super Eagles to any sort of commendable performances.
If results do not change, then we could see a change in management as they are not on track to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and they will want to head into AFCON next year with some good form behind them.
