The Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States remains alive, but there is still a long way to go.
Therefore, as per FIFA’s latest rankings, Nigeria – the highest-ranked team of the four at 41st – were paired with Gabon – the lowest at 77th – for the second round semi-final.
How can Nigeria qualify for 2026 World Cup?
For Nigeria, it’s one obstacle down and several more to go.
They now move onto the CAF play-off-final against DR Congo which will take place on neutral ground in Morocco today, Sunday, November 16 to decide Africa’s sole representative in a further inter-confederation play-off stage.
The inter-confederation play-offs will be conducted in March next year, with six teams from five confederations playing for the final two spots at the World Cup.
Should Nigeria get that far they will have to successfully negotiate a further tie in order to qualify for their first World Cup tournament since 2018 when they were eliminated at the group stage.
