The technical director of the Nigerian Football Federation, Augustine Eguavoen, has stated that the objective of the Super Eagles is to finish at the top of Group C in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. This serves as a warning to the other teams in the group, including Benin.
Nigeria can be optimistic. The Super Eagles have landed in a manageable group for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the African zone. The West African giant has been drawn in Group C, alongside South Africa, Benin, Rwanda, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. These are opponents within the reach of the Nigerians, even though the Bafana Bafana are slightly stronger.
Having been eliminated in the playoffs during the last edition in 2022 in Qatar, Nigeria is determined not to miss out on the upcoming global event and is ready to do whatever it takes to secure a spot in America. This was affirmed by the technical director of the Nigerian Football Federation in comments relayed by Africafootunited.
“We need to make up for our failure to qualify for the last World Cup. I believe we are ready. The boys know it. The Federation knows what it takes. Nigeria has what it takes both technically and otherwise, so we are well-prepared,” stated Augustine Eguavoen.
In this qualifying phase, the winners of each group will automatically qualify for the World Cup. The four best runners-up from the groups will compete in a CAF playoff tournament. The winner of this tournament will then participate in a second and final FIFA playoff, alongside five other teams. The top two teams from this playoff will qualify for the competition.
This format works in favor of the Nigerian team, according to Augustine Eguavoen, as his team is considered the favorite in Group C. However, the former Super Eagles coach does not want to underestimate the other occupants of this group, as they also have a chance to qualify.
“It’s an opportunity. One thing we need to understand is that there are no weak teams. Teams may appear weak on paper, but football has changed. The only thing on my mind is to finish at the top of the group, no matter who we play against. We will play with respect and give our all,” concluded the technical director of the NFF.
For reference, the first and second matchdays of these qualifiers will take place from November 13 to 21, 2023, the third and fourth matchdays from June 3 to 11, 2024, the fifth and sixth matchdays from March 17 to 25, 2025, the seventh and eighth matchdays from September 1 to 9, 2025, and the ninth and tenth matchdays from October 6 to 14, 2025.
