Don’t Rule Out Super Eagles From World Cup 26 Yet, Says Nwabali

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali said Nigerians must have the conviction that all hope is not lost about the Super Eagle’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Nigeria down in fourth spot in Group C with six points from six matches—one win, four draws, and one loss—trailing group leaders South Africa by six points and just behind Rwanda and Benin, who are tied in second and third place, Nwabali noted that the Eagles can still make it.

The three-time African champions are at risk of missing back-to-back World Cup tournaments following their absence from the 2022 edition in Qatar.

But Nwabali believes all hope is not lost, with four crucial matches and 12 points still up for grabs.

“It’s football — being Nigeria doesn’t automatically mean we’ll beat everyone,” Nwabali told Bold Sports. “We still have a good chance to qualify despite our current position. We’re focused on the next game, and we’ll keep pushing to turn things around.”

Nigeria will host Rwanda and travel to face South Africa in September before wrapping up their qualifying campaign in October with an away tie against Lesotho and a home fixture against Benin.