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The Super Eagles are no strangers to drama, and their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. After a shaky start in Group C, Nigeria now find themselves in a delicate but promising position: chasing qualification through the playoffs. And if history is anything to go by, the Super Eagles are far from grounded. They are ready to show why they are one of the best and respected teams in Africa.
Nigeria’s early qualifiers were marred by missed chances and defensive lapses, leading to unexpected draws and a painful defeat to Benin. With just three points from four games, the team slipped behind Benin, South Africa, and Rwanda. However, the story does not end there. The Super Eagles have stepped up when it mattered and delivered in the later stages of qualifying.
In what felt like a must-win game against Benin, Nigeria delivered a masterclass in dominance. Victor Osimhen, the Napoli talisman, bagged a sensational hat-trick, slicing through Benin’s defence with ruthless precision. Frank Onyeka added the fourth and crucial goal in stoppage time, sealing a victory that was as emphatic as it was symbolic.
This was a clear intent from the Super Eagles. They had stumbled, but they had not fallen. They soared again, and the roar from fans across Lagos, Abuja, and beyond echoed with belief.
Coach Eric Chelle praised the team’s response: “We knew we had to win, and the boys showed character. This is the Nigeria we want to see: hungry, focused, and fearless.”
Victor Osimhen, the hat-trick hero, was emotional after the match: “This win means everything. We have had tough moments, but we are still in the fight. I dedicate these goals to the fans who never stopped believing.”
Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi added: “We are not just playing for qualification, we’re playing for pride. That performance was for every Nigerian who’s been waiting for us to rise again.”
Nigeria finished second behind South Africa, and CAF’s new format offers a lifeline: the best four runners-up across will now enter a playoff round. Nigeria was one of them, and with its pedigree and firepower, is well-positioned to secure the only ticket from Africa. The Super Eagles have a great opportunity to redeem themselves and qualify for the World Cup.
Africa Play-offs: Nigeria will face Gabon, while Cameroon will engage DR Congo. The winners of the two matches will square up in the final to determine who heads to the inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico, with potential matches against New Caledonia, Bolivia, Honduras, Panama, Oman or UAE.
The teams will be ranked according to FIFA Men’s World Ranking, with the four lowest-ranked teams playing in two single-elimination matches. The winners will meet the two highest-ranked teams in another set of single-elimination matches, with the winners of these matches qualifying for the World Cup.
It is a tough path, but not unfamiliar. Nigeria thrive under pressure.
November Play-Off Showdown ?
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) October 15, 2025
It looks like the @NGSuperEagles will face Gabon in the play-off semi-final next month. pic.twitter.com/myCKbElAUj
Why Nigeria Will Qualify
• Star Power: Victor Osimhen, Africa’s top striker, is back in form. His hat-trick against Benin reminded the world why he is feared across Europe. Add Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Frank Onyeka to the mix, and Nigeria boasts one of the most lethal attacking units on the continent. Keeping the influential Osimhen fit for next month’s continental play-offs will be crucial for the team.
• Depth and Experience: From Wilfred Ndidi’s midfield control to William Troost-Ekong’s leadership at the back, Nigeria have seasoned players who have battled on the biggest stages.
• Youthful Energy: Emerging talents like Akor Adams and Benjamin Fredrick bring hunger and unpredictability, which is exactly what is needed in high-stakes playoff matches.
• History and Heart: Nigeria have qualified for six of the last eight World Cups. The team knows what it takes, and the nation’s passion fuels their fight.
Coach Eric Chelle has faced criticism, but his recent tactical adjustments – pressing higher, trusting younger players, making the right substitutions and rotating the defence and midfield, have sparked renewed energy. With time to regroup and recalibrate, Nigeria’s tactical edge could be the difference-maker in the playoffs.
From Lagos to Kano, fans are rallying and backing the team. The Super Eagles represent more than football, they are a symbol of resilience and fighting spirit. The road is tough, but the Super Eagles have the wings to fly.
Morocco is the next stop, then Mexico for the final leap. And, as the world watches, Nigeria are ready to write a new chapter: one of redemption and qualification.
