How Can Nigeria Qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Lesotho 1 – 2 Nigeria 

Nigeria has defeated Lesotho in their bid to win qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nigeria leaped to a 2-0 lead but Lesotho pulled one back to scare the Super Eagles. The goals were scored by:

• William Troost-Ekong (penalty) — opened the scoring for Nigeria in the second half.

• Akor Adams — in his debut, made it 2–0 with a composed finish

• Hlompho Kalake — pulled one back late for Lesotho (83′) to set up a tense finale.

Nigeria struggled to impose themselves in the first half, resorting to long balls and lacking sharpness in the final third. It was in the second half that they found opportunities: a handball in Lesotho’s box led to the penalty that Troost-Ekong converted. Akor Adams, making his senior debut, was alert to capitalize on a passing move to make it 2–0.

However, Nigeria’s defense lapsed late. A loose clearance and goalkeeper error gave Kalake the chance to pull one back, making the closing minutes nervy for the visitors. Lesotho pushed hard in the remaining minutes but couldn’t force the equalizer.

What This Win Means for Nigeria’s World Cup Bid

A Lifeline — But Not Assurance

This win doesn’t guarantee Nigeria a ticket to the 2026 World Cup, but it keeps the dream alive. Given the tight competition in Group C, Nigeria must now rely not just on their own performance but on favorable outcomes in other matches as well.

Only group winners go directly to the World Cup, while some runners-up may enter a playoff route.

South Africa was recently penalized by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player. They lost 3 points, which reshaped the standings and further gave Nigeria a window of opportunity after their draw with Zimbabwe. So how can Nigeria Qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

A. Direct Qualification (Win the Group)

To finish top of the group, Nigeria must:

1. Win the remaining match against Benin to go level on 17 points. Benin has a superior Goal difference of 5 to Nigeria’s 3, therefore a win by 2 goals would take Nigeria top on goal difference. A win by a goal might suffice as Nigeria have a better head-to-head record.

2. Hope South Africa drops points (loses or draws in their final match against Rwanda). If South Africa win the match, they will have 18 points and Nigeria cannot overtake them even if they beat Benin.

   
   

If Nigeria can pull this off, they would clinch the group and the automatic spot.

B. Backup Plan: Runner-up + Playoff Route

If Nigeria cannot finish first, their fallback is:

1. Secure second place in Group C which is very likely if South Africa win against Rwanda, and Nigeria defeat Benin. If south Africa loses to Rwanda and Nigeria draws with Benin, then The Super eagles could still finish second on goal difference.

2. Be among the top four runners-up across all nine CAF groups. That means Nigeria’s points tally and goal difference must compare favorably against runners-up in other groups.

3. Win the CAF runner-up playoff. The runner-up playoff involves the top four runners-up, and then the winner advances to the inter-confederation playoff.

4. Then win the inter-confederation playoff. That’s the final hurdle. Only then would Nigeria secure a spot in the World Cup.

Next Match is a Must-Win

Nigeria’s final fixture is against Benin is an important one and anything less than victory may spell the end of direct qualification hopes. Nigeria missed Qatar 2022 and for many fans, qualifying for 2026 is the least they expect from their team

The Slip up by South Africa against Zimbabwe gave Nigeria some lifeline and The Super Eagles must now bring their A-game into their final match, ensure defensive solidity from the first minute to the last, and hope for favorable combinations.