Nigeria will face DR Congo in a high-stakes World Cup play-off last on Sunday after overcoming Gabon 4-1 in further time, maintaining their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup alive.
However because the celebrations proceed, a key query stays: what number of matches are left earlier than Nigeria can really qualify for 2026 World Cup?
The Tremendous Eagles’ dream of taking part in in subsequent summer season’s expanded World Cup in Canada, Mexico and america continues to be inside attain, however the highway stays lengthy and demanding.
Nigeria had missed out on computerized qualification for 2026 World Cup after South Africa topped Group C with a final-day victory over Rwanda.
That meant the Tremendous Eagles needed to struggle via a mini-tournament involving the 4 finest runners-up from the group section. A 4-0 win over Benin, helped by Frank Onyeka’s essential late strike, ensured Nigeria edged Burkina Faso on aim distinction to e book their place.
Primarily based on FIFA’s newest rankings, Nigeria — the highest-ranked crew among the many 4 (forty first) — had been paired with Gabon, the lowest-ranked aspect (77th), for the second-round semi-final. The tie completed 1-1 in regulation time, however Chidera Ejuke’s extra-time opener and a Victor Osimhen brace sealed a dramatic victory for Eric Chelle’s males.
Within the different semi-final, DR Congo snatched a 1-0 win over Cameroon courtesy of Chancel Mbemba’s 91st-minute effort, organising a winner-takes-all conflict with Nigeria.
So, what number of matches are left for Nigeria to qualify for 2026 World Cup?
Doubtlessly two extra matches — but it surely may be only one.
1) CAF Play-off Closing – Nigeria vs DR Congo
- Scheduled for Sunday, November 16 on impartial floor in Morocco.
- Winner advances to the inter-confederation play-offs.
2) Inter-Confederation Play-offs – March 2026 (Mexico)
This stage includes six groups from 5 continents competing for 2 last World Cup tickets.
Right here is the important thing caveat:
Relying on FIFA rankings on the time, Nigeria might solely have to play ONE match in Mexico.
- The 2 highest-ranked groups within the play-offs skip the semi-finals and go straight into the ultimate spherical.
- The 4 lower-ranked groups should play an additional match (semi-finals) earlier than going through these prime groups.
What this implies for Nigeria
- If Nigeria is among the many prime two ranked groups:
They’ll play just one match in Mexico. Win it, and so they qualify.
- If Nigeria is just not among the many prime two ranked groups:
They have to play two matches — a semi-final and a last — to qualify.
Meaning the Nigeria should win three consecutive knockout video games in complete, one already completed in opposition to Gabon, probably two nonetheless to go to e book their place on the World Cup for the primary time since 2018.
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