Super Eagles Not Among Top Contenders for World Cup Qualification - Ex-Super Eagles Star

 Super Eagles Not Among Top Contenders for World Cup Qualification - Ex-Super Eagles Star 

By Admin 

 Former Nigerian international Mutiu Adepoju has expressed serious doubts about the Super Eagles' chances of securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a 1-1 draw with South Africa on Tuesday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The result leaves Nigeria trailing Group C leaders South Africa by six points with only two matches remaining in the African qualifiers. With time running out, Adepoju believes the odds are firmly stacked against the Super Eagles.

In an interview on Sporty TV, Adepoju stated that while qualification is mathematically possible, it is increasingly unrealistic given the current group standings and the overall qualifying landscape.

“It’s going to be very difficult,” he said. “South Africa is ahead by six points and it’s unlikely they’ll lose their last two games. Nigeria, on the other hand, must win both of their remaining matches."

He also noted that Nigeria is not currently positioned among the top contenders for the best runners-up slots, a potential fallback route for World Cup qualification.

 “Looking at the rankings for the best second-placed teams, Nigeria isn’t close. For Nigeria to qualify through that route, several teams would have to lose their final two matches — and that’s not a practical expectation,” Adepoju added. “It’s tough, but we can only hope.”

Nigeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup has become increasingly narrow, and Adepoju’s comments echo the growing concerns among fans and analysts about the team’s prospects.