10 Countries Super Eagles Will Compete With for World Cup Ticket

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Gabon in their first playoff match this November in Morocco as they fight for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After finishing second in Group C behind South Africa, Nigeria missed out on an automatic qualification but secured a lifeline by emerging as one of the best second-placed teams. 

South Africa topped the group with 18 points, while Nigeria and Benin Republic both ended with 17 points. The Super Eagles, however, advanced due to a better goal difference.

Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick and Frank Onyeka’s late goal in the 4-0 victory against Benin Republic were not enough to seal direct qualification, but the result ensured Nigeria’s entry into the playoffs, their final chance to make it to the World Cup after missing the last edition in Qatar.

Nigeria’s road to the World Cup

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that Nigeria will open their playoff campaign against Gabon. If they win, the Super Eagles will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in a tough second-round clash.

The playoff system, set up by FIFA, brings together 11 countries from different continents — Africa, Asia, Oceania, South America, and CONCACA,  to compete for the last two tickets to the 2026 World Cup.

The 11 Countries in the Playoff

The confirmed countries for the playoff tournament are, Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, DR Congo, Panama, Costa Rica, Jamaica, New Caledonia, Bolivia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates.

Africa’s teams will first face each other, and the winners will then move on to the intercontinental playoff stage. The final mini-tournament will take place in March 2025, and only two teams will earn a place in the World Cup.

Can Nigeria make it?

For the Super Eagles, this is a do-or-die chance to return to football’s biggest stage. With Victor Osimhen leading the attack and the team eager to redeem itself after missing Qatar 2022, expectations among fans are high.

However, Nigeria’s journey won’t be easy. Powerful teams like Cameroon, Costa Rica, and Iraq are also in the mix. Every match will count, and even the smallest mistake could cost a World Cup dream.