By Chiamaka Iheanacho

 

 

Some football enthusiasts on Wednesday expressed concern over Nigeria’s FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign after failing to beat South Africa for maximum points.

 

 

 

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the result has significantly reduced Nigeria’s chances of securing qualification for the tournament.

 

 

 

Damilola Idris, a Data Analyst and football fan, described the 1-1 draw against South Africa as disappointing, stressing it has greatly weakened Nigeria’s qualifying prospects.

 

 

 

He added that while qualification remained possible, it would now require extraordinary outcomes. Nigeria must defeat both Lesotho and Benin in their remaining fixtures.

 

 

 

“We now hope South Africa will beat Rwanda, who remain a serious threat. Nigeria must also secure a superior goal difference in upcoming matches,” he said.

 

 

 

Similarly, Alex Iheanacho, another football enthusiast, admitted Nigeria’s last result placed the team in a very difficult position.

 

 

 

He, however, noted that South Africa risked a three-point deduction for allegedly fielding an ineligible player earlier in the campaign, which could improve Nigeria’s chances.

 

 

 

“Nigeria’s dream of qualifying depends on extraordinary results. We must win our last two fixtures, while South Africa must completely falter,” Iheanacho said.

 

 

 

He added that FIFA’s handling of South Africa’s ineligible-player case could alter the standings, though the matter remained speculative at present.

 

 

 

“Above all, Nigeria’s qualification hopes hang by a thread and would require near-miraculous outcomes,” he said.

 

 

 

Dehinde Ogunbiyi of the Lagos State Sports Council told NAN that the match was intense, with Bafana Bafana firmly holding their ground.

 

 

 

“We played well but failed to secure the result we needed. Women’s football often shows the difference, as the Super Falcons usually deliver,” he said.

 

 

 

Ogunbiyi stressed the need for Nigeria to return to the drawing board and put in the required work ahead of their remaining fixtures.

 

 

 

“We must continue to hope for the best, even though the odds are not in our favour,” he added.

 

 

 

He lamented Nigeria’s repeated struggles in qualifying campaigns, noting that lessons rarely seem to be learnt from past experiences.

 

 

 

“We must secure maximum points against Lesotho and Benin with convincing wins, ensuring a strong goal difference that could prove crucial,” Ogunbiyi said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo