Former Nigeria international, Mutiu Adepoju, has assessed the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after their 1-1 qualifier draw with South Africa on Tuesday.
Recall that an own goal from William Troost-Ekong and a strike from Calvin Bassey ensured Nigeria and Bafana shared the points in Bloemfontein.
The result means South Africa remain top of Group C with a six-point lead over second-placed Nigeria, with two matches left to play.
Speaking after the game, Adepoju insisted it will be difficult for Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup, as they are not close to the second-best losers in the overall ranking.
“It’s going to be very difficult and now you said mathematically because we have the likes of Benin Republic and others in the group that want to qualify too. South Africa is leading Nigeria with six points,” Adepoju said via Sporty TV.
“They can’t lose their last two games, but Nigeria have to win their own two games. Looking at the ranking for the overall best losers in the qualifiers, Nigeria is not near the second best.
“What is going to happen because those ones need to lose their last two games too which is not practical for all of them to lose and for Nigeria to get in there. So it’s going to be difficult, we just hope we get in there at the end.”
2026 World Cup: Super Eagles face uphill task after South Africa draw – Adepoju
