If Only Super Eagles Had Taken Their Chances — Fresh Pain as World Cup Draw Favors South Africa

Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked fresh frustration after the draw in New York placed South Africa in what many fans consider a comfortable Group A. Bafana Bafana topped CAF Group C with 18 points, just one ahead of Nigeria, and that narrow gap has become a painful reminder of what could have been.

Many supporters point to the home draw against Lesotho as the moment Nigeria lost control. Veteran journalist Solace Chukwu expressed the feelings of many, saying, “Group A looking extremely mild… To think that, if Nigeria’s Super Eagles had just beaten Lesotho at home, that South Africa spot would've been Nigeria's.”

Group A features South Korea, Mexico, and a UEFA playoff team—far from the toughest opposition. Had Nigeria qualified, their FIFA ranking of 38th would have placed them in Pot 3, giving them a chance at landing in any of the 12 groups, including the relatively balanced Group A.

With the World Cup now out of reach, the Super Eagles must shift focus to the 2025 AFCON, where they will face Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.