Two match days into the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Nigeria’s Super Eagles find themselves in a precarious position, raising serious concerns about their chances of qualifying for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Drawn in Group C and seeded, the Eagles have had a dismal start, drawing both of their opening matches against lower-ranked opponents, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, securing just two points out of a possible six.

This poor form threatens Nigeria’s World Cup hopes, following their previous failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Having made their debut in 1994 and appearing in five more World Cup tournaments—1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2018—Nigeria now risks missing out on consecutive World Cups.

Ranked 40th globally and sixth in Africa, the Super Eagles were expected to dominate Group C, which features South Africa (ranked 47th), Benin (93rd), Zimbabwe (125th), Rwanda (140th), and Lesotho (153rd). However, in their opening match on November 16, Nigeria only managed a 1-1 draw against Lesotho in Uyo. Despite a squad packed with Europe-based stars, the Eagles struggled, with Lesotho taking the lead before Nigeria managed a hard-fought equalizer.

Things worsened on match day two when Nigeria played Zimbabwe in Butare, Rwanda. Despite being the stronger team on paper, the Eagles again conceded first and had to rely on a Kelechi Iheanacho goal to scrape another 1-1 draw. Zimbabwe, hosting their matches in Rwanda, provided Nigeria with a further lifeline by beating South Africa 2-0 in their own match, but Nigeria squandered the chance to capitalize.

These uninspiring performances have sparked concerns about the team’s ability to recover and secure the sole World Cup ticket from Group C. The Super Eagles’ underwhelming displays are partly due to weaknesses in the goalkeeping department. Since the era of legendary goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, Nigeria has struggled to find a reliable replacement. In the crucial 2022 World Cup qualifying match against Ghana, Francis Uzoho’s mistake cost Nigeria dearly, a vulnerability that has resurfaced in the 2026 qualifiers.

Additionally, the tactical deficiencies of head coach José Peseiro have become glaring. His inability to marshal the team effectively on the pitch raises questions about whether he is the right man to lead Nigeria forward. If the Eagles are to have any chance of qualifying for the World Cup, they urgently need a more capable coach. Appointing a Nigerian coach might be a solution, but any hire should receive compensation comparable to their European counterparts to avoid the all-too-common issues of unpaid wages that have plagued past coaches.

Off-field disorganization also poses significant problems. Peseiro highlighted logistical challenges, including a lack of adequate rest before the Zimbabwe match due to a long-haul flight to Rwanda. In the past, Nigeria’s football authorities arranged chartered flights to ensure players arrived at matches well-prepared. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) must reinstate such measures to avoid further disruptions.

Nigeria’s football struggles are compounded by years of ineffective administration. The NFF has become mired in politics, with appointments often based on influence rather than merit. Meanwhile, the domestic football league remains weak, prompting many players to leave for Europe, where they receive better training and development.

To reverse this decline, the NFF needs urgent reform, staffed by capable, forward-thinking administrators who can revitalize the domestic league and strengthen the national team. Without these changes, Nigeria’s chances of a return to World Cup prominence—and sustained success on the international stage—will continue to dwindle.

The clock is ticking for the Super Eagles. To save their World Cup dreams, the team must regroup, fix its vulnerabilities, and rediscover the form that once made Nigeria a formidable force in African and global football.