Road To 2026: Four Crucial Matches Nigeria Must Win to Qualify for FIFA World Cup

Road to 2026: Four Crucial Matches Nigeria Must Win to Qualify for FIFA World Cup

By Niyi Busari 

The Super Eagles of Nigeria kept their World Cup hopes alive with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

The result, powered by a hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a late goal from Frank Onyeka, secured Nigeria a second-place finish in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifiers.

Despite the impressive win, Nigeria fell short of automatic qualification, finishing behind South Africa, who topped the group with 18 points after a 3-0 win over Rwanda. As group winners, Bafana Bafana earned a direct ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

However, the journey is far from over for Nigeria.

By finishing as one of the four best runners-up across the nine CAF groups, the Super Eagles have booked a spot in the upcoming CAF Play-offs, scheduled to take place in Morocco from November 13 to 16, 2025.

To secure their place at the World Cup, Nigeria must win four more matches across two decisive phases:

Phase 1: CAF Play-Offs (Morocco, November 2025)

1. Semi-Final vs Gabon

Nigeria will face Gabon in the semi-finals of the CAF play-offs. A win here will move them one step closer to the global stage.

2. Final vs Winner of Cameroon vs DR Congo

If successful against Gabon, the Super Eagles will play the winner of the other semi-final between Cameroon and DR Congo. Victory here will send Nigeria to the intercontinental play-offs as Africa’s representative.

Phase 2: FIFA Intercontinental Play-Offs (USA, March 2026)

3. Intercontinental Semi-Final

Nigeria will be drawn against one of the five other confederations: Asia, South America (CONMEBOL), Oceania, or North/Central America (CONCACAF). If they are not among the top two seeded teams (based on FIFA rankings), they will need to compete in a semi-final first.

4. Intercontinental Final

A win in the semi-final sets up a final clash against another intercontinental opponent. Victory here guarantees Nigeria a place in the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With just four matches standing between them and a place on football’s biggest stage, the Super Eagles must remain focused, disciplined, and determined.

The 2026 World Cup will mark the first time the tournament features 48 teams, expanding opportunities for countries around the world including Africa, which now has nine automatic slots and one intercontinental play-off place.