The African team was left out of the direct pass and will have to overcome a difficult rival if it wants to be in the United States, Mexico and Canada 2026.
One of the most recognized teams in African football could be left out of the next World Cup. Nigeria, a classic rival of the Argentine National Team in different World Cups, did not qualify directly in the African Confederation (CAF) Qualifiers and will have to play in the playoffs.
The team, nicknamed the Super Eagles, finished second in Group C with 17 points, behind South Africa, which secured its place in the World Cup. The 4-0 win over Benin on the last date it was barely enough to stay alive in the competition. However, the path ahead is far from easy: he will have to overcome two more crosses before he can dream of a ticket to the United States, Mexico and Canada 2026.
For many fans, it is difficult to imagine a World Cup without Nigeria. The African team earned a place in history for its talent, speed and for being a recurring rival of Argentina in the group stage: they faced each other in five different editions, from the United States 1994 to Russia 2018. However, the three times that the National Team won the World Cup, it did not face its African counterpart.
Nigeria national team
Nigeria must win to give hope to Argentina
World Cup 2026: Nigeria enters the playoffs
The team led by Finidi George, after finishing second, will compete in a continental playoff against Gabonthe best second in the African competition. If he manages to advance, he will have to face the winner of the cross between Cameroon and Congo.
But it wouldn’t end there yet. If it overcomes these two obstacles, Nigeria will have to participate in the International Repechage organized by FIFA in March 2026. In that instance, it will be measured against representatives of other confederations that are also looking for their last opportunity to qualify.
Until now, Bolivia (seventh in the Conmebol Qualifiers) and New Caledonia (Oceania finalist) are the only ones confirmed for that world repechage. The definition of the Asian (AFC) and Concacaf quotas is also expected.
nigeria.jpeg
What are the World Cups that Nigeria played in?
Since his debut in United States 1994Nigeria has been present in six World Cups: France 1998, Korea-Japan 2002, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018. Its best performance was in its first participation, when it reached the round of 16 and finished in ninth position after losing 2-1 against Italy, which was later a finalist.
Among its historical figures are Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, Emmanuel Amunike and Mikel John Obifootballers who marked an era with their talent and charisma. Nigeria has also been an inexhaustible source of players exported to Europe, many of them playing in the Premier League or the Spanish league.
Throughout their history, the Super Águilas earned the respect of the soccer world for their offensive style, his physical power and his competitive spiritalthough in recent years they have shown certain irregularity that now puts their World Cup continuity at risk.
The World Cup will have 48 teams starting in 2026.
The World Cup will have 48 teams starting in 2026.
World Cup 2026: all qualifiers and playoffs confirmed so far
Qualified for the World Cup
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AFC (Asia): Saudi Arabia, Australia, Qatar, South Korea, Iran, Japan, Jordan and Uzbekistan.
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CAF (Africa): Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia.
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CONCACAF (North America and Caribbean): Canada, United States and Mexico.
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CONMEBOL (South America): Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay.
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OFC (Oceania): New Zealand.
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UEFA (Europe): England and other European countries still being defined.
Repechage
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Africa: Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon and Congo.
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South America: Bolivia.
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Oceania: New Caledonia.
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Asia: to be defined between the Arab Emirates and Iraq.
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Concacaf: the two best seconds of the third round.
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
