Former Nigeria international, Mutiu Adepoju, has cast serious doubts over the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following their disappointing 1-1 draw against South Africa in Tuesday’s qualifier.
The highly anticipated clash in Bloemfontein saw an early setback for Nigeria when William Troost-Ekong’s own goal put Bafana Bafana ahead. However, Calvin Bassey came to the rescue, leveling the score to secure a point for the Super Eagles.
Despite the draw, the result leaves Nigeria in a tough position. South Africa remain top of Group C with a six-point lead over second-placed Nigeria, with only two matches left to play in the qualifiers.
Speaking to Sporty TV after the match, Adepoju admitted that Nigeria’s qualification chances are hanging by a thread.
“It’s going to be very difficult, even mathematically,” Adepoju explained. “We still have teams like Benin Republic in the group fighting hard for qualification. South Africa are leading Nigeria by six points, and they are unlikely to lose their last two games. For Nigeria, winning both of our remaining matches is a must.”
He went further to highlight Nigeria’s poor standing in the overall best losers’ ranking, which is another potential pathway to the World Cup.
“Looking at the rankings, Nigeria is not close to the second-best losers’ slot. For us to sneak in, other teams would need to lose their final games, which is very unlikely. That’s why I say it’s going to be extremely difficult—we can only hope things somehow work in our favor,” Adepoju stressed.
With only two games left, the Super Eagles’ World Cup dream is in serious jeopardy. Fans are now left to hope for a dramatic turnaround as the qualification campaign nears its end.
What do you think, Jamflash readers? Can the Super Eagles pull off a miracle, or is Adepoju right to doubt Nigeria’s World Cup hopes? Share your thoughts in the comments!
