Nigeria's World Cup Chances Uncertain, Sudan Eyes Qualification

As the 2026 World Cup qualifiers reach the halfway point, Nigeria and Sudan are facing critical challenges on their paths to qualification.

The Super Eagles, once expected to dominate Group C, have underperformed and sit fifth in a six-team group.

Despite boasting stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Nigeria has struggled with a series of disappointing results, including draws with Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, and a loss to Benin.

Following a second-place finish at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria has cycled through three coaches: Finidi George, Augustine Eguavoen, and now Eric Chelle.

Chelle, who was dismissed by Mali after a poor World Cup start, acknowledges the enormity of the task ahead.