DESPITE a disappointing start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remains confident that Nigeria can still secure a place at the tournament.
Nigeria currently sit fourth in Group C with seven points from six games: one win, four draws, and a defeat, leaving them six points behind group leaders South Africa, who have amassed 13 points.
Rwanda and Benin, both on eight points, occupy the second and third positions, respectively.
With only four matches remaining, the margin for error has narrowed significantly. However, Nwabali, who has featured in all six qualifiers so far, believes the Super Eagles still have everything to play for, starting with the crucial home clash against South Africa in September.
“Just because we are Nigeria does not mean we are guaranteed to win every game,” Nwabali said as quoted by Brila.
“It’s football; anything can happen. But we still have a lot of chances to qualify despite our current position on the table.”
The 29-year-old, who was one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), urged fans and teammates to stay focused and take it one game at a time.
“We’re going to push in our next game, take it one step at a time, and see how the next four matches go. The team is motivated to make things right.”
The Super Eagles will resume their qualification campaign in September with back-to-back fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa.