Samson Siasia believes the Super Eagles can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite their struggles.
He urged players and coaches to stay focused and approach each match with determination.
Former Nigeria international and coach Samson Siasia has maintained that the Super Eagles still have a realistic chance of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite their shaky start to the qualifying campaign.
Nigeria’s road to the tournament has been far from smooth, with just one victory recorded in six matches so far. The Super Eagles currently occupy fourth place in Group C with six points, trailing group leaders South Africa, who sit on 12 points after an impressive run.
Rwanda and the Benin Republic are ahead of Nigeria with nine and eight points respectively, while Lesotho and Zimbabwe are further down the table.
Siasia acknowledged the uphill task but insisted that qualification remains possible if the team plays with focus and determination. “Everything is still possible, but it’s how to get it done,” he said. “Both the players and the coach have to bring their ‘A’ game to these matches, and it should be a game at a time.”
The Super Eagles will resume their qualifying journey with a crucial home fixture against Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The East Africans stunned Nigeria with a 1-0 win earlier in the campaign, meaning the return leg is a must-win encounter.
A few days later, Nigeria will head to Bloemfontein for a crucial match against South Africa, the leaders of the group. The Bafana Bafana had beaten Benin and Rwanda earlier in the qualifiers and look firm favorites to secure one of Africa’s nine direct slots for the expanded 2026 World Cup. For Nigeria, the match presents both an opportunity to cut the deficit and a test of their resilience.
Nigeria’s only victory so far came against Zimbabwe, but dropping points against Lesotho and Benin have piled pressure on the squad. With four games remaining, the Super Eagles must win at least three matches, including against direct rivals Rwanda and South Africa, to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The expanded World Cup, to be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will offer Africa nine slots, raising optimism that Nigeria can still qualify if it rediscover its form.
