Super Eagles striker, Terem Moffi says he remains confident the team can still pull off a miracle, despite Nigeria’s slim hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The OGC Nice forward, who returns to the national team after more than a year, believes the Super Eagles can still qualify if they win their remaining fixtures and get a bit of help from other teams.
“We the guys, we’re really confident about qualifying for the World Cup. We have to do our part and wait for the result of the other teams. We are confident that things will go our way,” Moffi told NFF TV.
Nigeria currently sit third in Group C, four points behind leaders Benin and South Africa. With only two matches left to play, the Super Eagles must win both games convincingly and hope that Benin and South Africa drop crucial points.
That scenario looks highly unlikely, especially as South Africa are set to host Zimbabwe and Rwanda in their final fixtures.
Under the new CAF qualification format for the 2026 World Cup, only the group winners automatically advance, while the four best second-placed teams from the nine groups will proceed to the playoffs for a final continental slot.
Even that route now appears closed for Nigeria; the latest second-placed ranking shows Gabon and Madagascar on 19 points, while Burkina Faso and Cameroon both have 18. With Nigeria only able to reach a maximum of 17 points, the Super Eagles’ playoff hopes have effectively vanished.
Moffi’s return, however, gives Nigeria another attacking option as he competes with Victor Osimhen and Tolu Arokodare for a place in the starting lineup.
Super Eagles World Cup hopes fade ahead of Lesotho clash
Nigeria’s Super Eagles chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have taken a major hit as they prepare to face Lesotho on Friday, October 10, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
The Super Eagles have endured a disappointing campaign and now find themselves fighting more for pride than for a place in the next round.
The game against Lesotho will be played in South Africa after the Crocodiles’ home ground failed to meet FIFA hosting standards.
The Crocodiles drew 1-1 against the Super Eagles, who have won only two matches with five draws and one loss.
Tolu Arokodare celebrating his first competitive goal for the Super Eagles against Rwanda in Uyo. Photo Credit: The Athletic Images
Even with victory in their remaining fixtures, Nigeria can only reach 17 points, a total that leaves them short of the playoff zone.
The latest ranking of second-placed teams shows Gabon and Madagascar leading on 19 points, with Burkina Faso and Cameroon on 18. That effectively ends Nigeria’s hopes of progressing.
The team is already camped in South Africa, with key players including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi expected to feature.