Super Eagles Set For Cricual FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
by Devesh Jaganath | by Cydias Aujard
Group C: Standings and Qualification Scenario
Nigeria finished as runners-up at the Africa Cup of Nations last year and entered these qualifiers as favourites according to the World Cup betting odds to win Group C, which also features Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. However, as we approach the halfway point of the group, things have certainly not gone as the team would have hoped.
Four rounds into qualifiers and the Super Eagles are still winless and placed fifth in the six-team section with three points. They played out consecutive draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa in the first three rounds of the competition before suffering an against-the-odds defeat to Benin in round four.
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rwanda | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 2026 FIFA World Cup |
| 2 | South Africa | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 7 | Possible second round |
| 3 | Benin | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 7 | |
| 4 | Lesotho | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | |
| 5 | Nigeria | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 5 | −1 | 3 | |
| 6 | Zimbabwe | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 | −4 | 2 |
As a result, Nigeria now trail group leaders Rwanda by four points and are at serious risk of missing out on qualification for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA in 2026. The Super Eagles have only ever missed two editions of the tournament since their debut in 1994, with the most recent coming in the last one where they were edged by Ghana.
Outlook For Nigeria Ahead of Rwanda, Zimbabwe
Heading into the crucial rounds five and six, Nigeria have a new face in the dugout in Eric Chelle, who has no time to settle into his new role with the side needing immediate results. Jose Peseiro had overseen the Super Eagles’ first two draws in the competition and was replaced by Finidi George, who departed after the loss to Benin last year.
However, the new boss does have one major weapon in his arsenal for the upcoming rounds that his predecessors didn't - Victor Osimhen! The 2023 African Football of the Year missed the first four matches of qualifying due to injury and admitted that he is ready to make an impact this month against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. He said:
"It's a dream of every footballer to play at the World Cup and with our situation in the group I am desperate, like other players, to make it to the 2026 tournament. We suffered a big disappointment in 2022 and we simply can't let it happen again to us, the country and our generation.”
Keep up with all the qualifiers using our World Cup livescores right here on SportyTrader.
Rwanda vs. Nigeria - Amahoro Stadium
The Nigerian team have already arrived in Kigali to commence training for their clash against Amavubi on Friday, March 21. Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman were all pictured in their training camp on Tuesday ahead of their must-win match against the current group leaders.
However, Rwanda have not been an easy team for Nigeria to beat in recent years!
The Super Eagles have faced Amavubi seven times since the turn of the century and have only managed two wins, with the last coming in 2012. The most recent encounter between these sides came in the AFCON last year which Rwanda won 2-1 - their first-ever win against Nigeria - while the remaining four matches between these sides ended level.
Check out our Nigeria vs. Rwanda prediction!
Nigeria vs. Zimbabwe - Godswill Akpabio Stadium
Four days after facing Rwanda, the Super Eagles will return to their homeland to play host to Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The Warriors are at the bottom of Group C with two points from their four games but did hold Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in Butare in round two.
Nigeria have never lost to Zimbabwe in a competitive fixture!
One major blow for the Warriors leading up to this match was the withdrawal of their skipper Marvelous Nakamba due to injury. However, that could play into the hands of the Super Eagles, for whom, this match will be viewed as one that they simply cannot afford to leave from with anything less than all three points.
Don't forget, all our World Cup qualifier predictions will be available ahead of kickoff!
