Eritrea’s Exit Rekindles Nigeria’s World Cup Dream

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Eritrea’s Exit Rekindles Nigeria’s World Cup Dream

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have received an unexpected lifeline in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the withdrawal of Eritrea from the African qualifying series.

The decision by Eritrea to pull out came just before the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially commenced the qualifiers, leaving Group E with only five teams — Morocco, Zambia, Congo, Tanzania, and Niger.

This development could indirectly influence the race for qualification in other groups, including Nigeria’s Group C, as CAF is reportedly considering adjustments to ensure a level playing field.

To maintain fairness, the football body may adopt a system that excludes results against bottom-placed teams when ranking the best second-placed nations — a rule previously applied during the 2012 qualifiers.

If implemented, this could prove favourable for Nigeria, who currently occupy third position in Group C with 11 points after eight matches, trailing behind Benin Republic and South Africa.

The Super Eagles, led by coach Eric Chelle, have endured a turbulent campaign marked by draws against Zimbabwe and Lesotho, and losses to Benin and South Africa.

With only two fixtures remaining — against Lesotho and Benin Republic — the Super Eagles must win both encounters to stay in contention, either by finishing top of their group or ranking among the four best runners-up who will progress to the CAF playoffs. The eventual playoff winner will then compete in the intercontinental playoff for a World Cup slot.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first in history to feature 48 nations, granting Africa nine automatic slots and a potential tenth through the playoffs.

Nigeria, one of the continent’s football powerhouses, has participated in six World Cup tournaments since making its debut in 1994, but failed to qualify for Qatar 2022, a disappointment that still lingers among fans.

The current qualification campaign has been anything but smooth, with inconsistent performances, tactical concerns, and missed chances placing the Super Eagles in a precarious position.

Eritrea’s withdrawal may not directly alter Group C, but it reshapes the qualification matrix across the continent — offering a renewed ray of hope for Nigeria as they fight to reclaim their place on football’s biggest stage.

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Chioma Ndukwu

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