Some football fans on Wednesday expressed disappointment over the inability of the Super Eagles to pick the maximum three points in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Zimbabwe.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria is currently occupying the fourth place with seven points after the encounter with Zimbabwe ended 1-1 at the Godswill Akpabio’s Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, on Tuesday.
The draw made it more difficult for Nigeria to catch up with the group leaders, South Africa, who are on 13 points.
Some football fans who spoke to NAN in separate interviews said that the result was unfavourable, as it had ended the country’s quest to qualify from the group.
Mitchel Obi, a sports analyst described the situation as hopeless since the Super Eagles failed to do the needful at home in the match against Zimbabwe.
“It’s obvious the team can’t achieve any good result whether home or away, with the remaining four games to go in the qualification series.
“It’s as good as saying goodbye to the World Cup coming up in Canada, U.S. and Mexico,” Obi said.
Abiodun Sonaike, a Lagos-based Sports Lawyer, described the situation as very unfortunate.
“The Super Eagles have lost the opportunity of qualifying from the group.
“The chances are obviously slim; they have not collectively shown in their last game some level of seriousness to really compete for a World Cup slot.
“It’s unfortunate that the group already belongs to South Africa, Benin and Rwanda who will fight till the end to maintain their positions,”Sonaike said.
Similarly, Sesan Aderibgbe, a football fan, said that Super Eagles can no longer determine what happens next.
“The team is not playing at top level; they could not maintain their winning momentum while playing at home.
“They have lost out, and have totally disappointed the fans that really had hope on them, after they defeated Rwanda,”Aderibgbe said.
NAN reports that the narrow road for Nigeria to make it to the World Cup is South Africa’s possible three point deduction, for fielding an ineligible player (Teboho Mokoena) in their qualifying match against Lesotho and Nigeria winning all remaining World Cup qualifying matches.
If South Africa win their remaining matches and lose to Nigeria after being penalised for fielding an ineligible player, then, Nigeria will top the group.
Other teams like Benin and Rwanda with eight and seven points lose at least one match each, while the Super Eagles win their remaining matches, then Nigeria could qualify. (NAN)
