FIFA WCQ: Here is how Nigeria can gain top spot and displace South Africa

Nigeria’s Super Eagles can still take control of their destiny in their World Cup qualifying group, should results go their way. 

The Super Eagles currently face an uphill task of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as they sit in fourth place in their World Cup qualifying group. 

Eric Chelle’s men are currently six points behind group leaders, South Africa, who they also face in this qualifying window. 

But despite the unpleasant situation they find themselves in, the three-time African champions can still turn things around ahead of next month’s break if results go their way. 

Nigeria face Rwanda on Saturday in Uyo before taking on the Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein on Tuesday. 

Both teams are currently above Nigeria, with Rwanda sitting just a point ahead of the Super Eagles. 

However, Chelle’s team can overtake the Amavubi if they beat them on Saturday. This will lift Nigeria to 10 points ahead of the game against South Africa. 

However, the Super Eagles will also need Lesotho to beat South Africa before they take on the Bafana Bafana on Tuesday. 

Should that happen, the Super Eagles can take control of their destiny if they beat Hugo Broos’ men on Tuesday, 

Although they also need Benin to drop points in one of their games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe to take the top spot, they will still control their fate if these scenarios play out, as they host Benin in their last qualifying game. 

The Super Eagles only have themselves to blame for the situation they find themselves in right now. 

Chelle’s men have won just one game from six matches, with that sole win coming against Rwanda away from home. 

They have failed to win a home game in the qualifying series, despite playing Benin, Lesotho and South Africa.