Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has issued a rallying call to teammates and a stern warning to Group C rivals, South Africa and Rwanda, affirming that Nigeria remains firmly in contention for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite Nigeria’s faltering start to the qualifiers, Nwabali maintains that the team’s chances are far from over. Speaking to Soccernet.ng, the Chippa United shot-stopper stressed that while no opponent should be underestimated, the Super Eagles still have everything to play for in the final four fixtures.
The three-time African champions currently sit fourth in Group C with seven points from six matches — having recorded just one win, four draws, and one loss. South Africa leads the group with 13 points, followed by Rwanda and Benin, both tied on eight points, while Nigeria lags behind in a precarious position.
With 12 points still up for grabs in the remaining qualifiers, Nwabali expressed confidence in the team’s ability to stage a late comeback and secure qualification for the global tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“Being Nigeria doesn’t guarantee we’ll defeat every team,” Nwabali told Soccernet.ng. “But we still have a strong chance. We’re focused on the next match, and we’ll continue to push until the end.”
The Super Eagles face a critical September, beginning with a home clash against Rwanda, followed by a potentially decisive away fixture in South Africa. In October, Nigeria will travel to Lesotho before hosting Benin to conclude their qualification campaign.
Following their absence from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Nigeria is under pressure to avoid missing back-to-back tournaments — a scenario that would mark a significant setback for the country’s football ambitions. The Super Eagles have featured in six of the last eight World Cups, with memorable performances in 1994, 1998, and 2014, each culminating in a Round of 16 finish.
With qualification still within reach, the message from Nwabali is clear: Nigeria is not out — and the battle is far from over.
