Nigeria Faces Uphill Battle in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Warns Amuneke

Former Super Eagles star Emmanuel Amuneke has sounded the alarm over Nigeria’s precarious position in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, stressing that victories in their upcoming clashes against Rwanda and Zimbabwe will not guarantee qualification. 

Nigeria’s national team, currently languishing in fifth place in Group C with just three points from four matches, faces a critical double-header against group leaders Rwanda on Friday in Kigali and Zimbabwe in Uyo next Tuesday. With the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada on the line, the Super Eagles must secure maximum points to revive their fading hopes. 

In an exclusive interview, Amuneke, a former Barcelona winger and ex-Nigeria coach, underscored the daunting task ahead. “Qualifying isn’t easy, and we must consider other teams’ results. Even if we win, the teams above us could also win their games,” he cautioned. “In Nigeria, we say anything is possible, but we must confront the reality of our situation.” 

The 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner urged focus and unity within the squad: “The team must work hard, stay determined, and trust in teamwork. The task is difficult, but not impossible.” 

As players began arriving in Kigali on Sunday, new head coach Eric Chelle faced scrutiny over his squad choices. Notable omissions include in-form Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche and Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers, who have starred for their clubs this season. Instead, Chelle handed maiden call-ups to four uncapped players: forward Tolu Arokodare (FC Metz), defender Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), goalkeeper Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars), and midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha (Sporting Charleroi). 

Chelle, who replaced Austin Eguavoen who took charge on an interim capacity, will lead the team for the first time in competitive action. His tactical approach and reliance on fresh faces will be closely watched as Nigeria seeks to climb from the bottom of a group that includes South Africa, Benin, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. 

Friday’s clash against Rwanda, who top Group C with seven points, is pivotal. The Amavubi have proven resilient, while Nigeria’s recent qualifying campaign has been marred by lackluster performances, including a 1-1 draw with South Africa and a shock 2-1 defeat to Benin in June. 

The Super Eagles will then host Zimbabwe at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium on November 19. With only the group winner guaranteed automatic qualification, Nigeria’s margin for error has evaporated. 

As the clock ticks down to kickoff in Kigali, Nigerian supporters are left hoping their star-studded squad—featuring Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi—can deliver under pressure. Failure to secure six points could see the three-time African champions miss a second consecutive World Cup after their 2022 Qatar heartbreak. 

 
Stay with KiinMedia for live updates and analysis of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign.