Nigeria miss out on automatic qualification for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Read Article

Comments (63)

This article is closed for comments.

Read Comments Comments (63)

Mims 2 months ago

As usual a ghanaweb news.
They are heading to play off Dunk.

As usual a ghanaweb news.
They are heading to play off Dunk.
Ogidigidi 2 months ago

Do you know how much we contribute to Fifa?
Fifa knows our importance therefore they will surely make a way for us to be there by ALL MEANS

Do you know how much we contribute to Fifa?
Fifa knows our importance therefore they will surely make a way for us to be there by ALL MEANS
KD 2 months ago

@ogidigidi, was it your village FA that organized the 2022 WC?
Or you guys were by then not making your 'fantastic contribution' that you alluded to?

@ogidigidi, was it your village FA that organized the 2022 WC?
Or you guys were by then not making your 'fantastic contribution' that you alluded to?
ST Ghfuo: CANADIANS ARE BIASED, DISHONEST 2 months ago

all is not lost yet fo nigeria. they will have to play in a playoff to get the 2 remaining spots available. i hope nigeria and cameroon take control and grab the 2 spots available in the playoff

all is not lost yet fo nigeria. they will have to play in a playoff to get the 2 remaining spots available. i hope nigeria and cameroon take control and grab the 2 spots available in the playoff
Ghanaman 2 months ago

Sorry oo, omo, Nigeria is not going to the 2026 world cup! Nigeria is the 7th best second placed team of the African qualifiers. FIFA is choosing 4 best second placed teams for the playoffs. I know FIFA wants Nigeria to show ...
read full comment

Sorry oo, omo, Nigeria is not going to the 2026 world cup! Nigeria is the 7th best second placed team of the African qualifiers. FIFA is choosing 4 best second placed teams for the playoffs. I know FIFA wants Nigeria to show up by all means, but alas, this can not be. They even deducted points from South Africa to aid our Nigerian brothers but, unfortunately, that did not help Nigeria. Maybe, FIFA will find a way to increase the 4 best second placed teams to 7 best to give our brothers a chance. We live to see!
Tony Kweku 2 months ago

You are talking out of ignorance @Ghanaman! Nigeria is the 3rd of the best 2nd placed group teams and fully qualified for the Playoffs. If anything Nigeria did the xenophobic South Africans a favour by comprehensively beating ...
read full comment

You are talking out of ignorance @Ghanaman! Nigeria is the 3rd of the best 2nd placed group teams and fully qualified for the Playoffs. If anything Nigeria did the xenophobic South Africans a favour by comprehensively beating beating Benin (4-0) who were topping the group from match day 9. All Benin needed was just a draw against Nigeria and they would be heading to North America WC but now they are not even qualified for the playoffs- from 1st down to 3rd on final day.

I would preferred Benin to win the group than xenophobic SA. South Africa rigged their qualification from beginning when they ensured that 7 of the 10 games they played were played at Home. Benin and Nigeria FA,s should have protested this "home advantage" handed South Africa by refusing Lesotho and Zimbabwe playing their "home" games inside South Africa. The Fifa and CAF conspiracy was alarming because Caf President is South African.
wofa yaw 2 months ago

Not true;
Gabon, 25
DR Congo, 22
Burkina, 21
Cameroun,19

Nigeria 17 points is 7th

Not true;
Gabon, 25
DR Congo, 22
Burkina, 21
Cameroun,19

Nigeria 17 points is 7th
Osei Bonsu 2 months ago

Because Eritea pulled out, the points obtained against the bottom team in each group will not count. Hence the table showing nigeria had 15 points instead of the 17 they actually obtained.

Because Eritea pulled out, the points obtained against the bottom team in each group will not count. Hence the table showing nigeria had 15 points instead of the 17 they actually obtained.
GH8 2 months ago

@Osei Bonsu you are absolutely right but that rule is very silly and stupid. The rule should have been that, the second placed team the group that Eritrea was supposed to be part should not be part of the selection for the 4 ...
read full comment

@Osei Bonsu you are absolutely right but that rule is very silly and stupid. The rule should have been that, the second placed team the group that Eritrea was supposed to be part should not be part of the selection for the 4 best second placed teams, because they played 8 matches instead of 10 for all the other groups.
GH8 2 months ago

Even Mozambique had 19 points in our group

Even Mozambique had 19 points in our group

GH8 2 months ago

@Ghanaman that's my view. How come Nigeria in the play off when indeed they are the 7th best second placed teams?
Hmmm I hear CAF is using some stupid rule bi.
In one of the 9 groups, one group had 5 teams instead of 6. Th ...
read full comment

@Ghanaman that's my view. How come Nigeria in the play off when indeed they are the 7th best second placed teams?
Hmmm I hear CAF is using some stupid rule bi.
In one of the 9 groups, one group had 5 teams instead of 6. This happened after the draw had been made and Eritrea withdrew from Morocco's group, meaning in that group teams played 8 matches instead of 10 matches. So CAF assumes that Eritrea finished at the bottom of that group. So the 4 best second placed teams is determined by the results of second placed teams and the teams the finished last in the respective groups.
So for instance if you finished second in your group but in your matches against the team that finished last you won both home and away you would lose 6 points, if you won one and lost one you lose 4 points, if you won one and lost one you lose 3 points and if you drew both home and away you lose 1point from your accumulated points.
And that's what has worked in favour of Nigeria.
Koo 2 months ago

There's no playoff for them per their 17 points. Other countries in second positions have better points in second positions so the reality here is that they have failed to qualify and should look forward to the next.

There's no playoff for them per their 17 points. Other countries in second positions have better points in second positions so the reality here is that they have failed to qualify and should look forward to the next.
Kay 2 months ago

Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo DR & Gabon are going into the play off. One country who will top the play off will play the inter continental play off to be at the WC.

Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo DR & Gabon are going into the play off. One country who will top the play off will play the inter continental play off to be at the WC.
Bongo bongo 2 months ago

Sure this two will go

Sure this two will go
Gyasi 2 months ago

A vert stupid and unintelligent post

A vert stupid and unintelligent post
ST Ghfuo: CANADIANS ARE BIASED, DISHONEST 2 months ago

even fifa wants to see nigeria a tthe tournament because of their numbers. more eyeballs and more ticket sales. so dont worry my naija people you will get to the wcup

even fifa wants to see nigeria a tthe tournament because of their numbers. more eyeballs and more ticket sales. so dont worry my naija people you will get to the wcup
Pepenyi Mfantse 2 months ago

I hope my Naija People make it we love to see them at the World Cup . They will surely book thier tickets in the playoffs

I hope my Naija People make it we love to see them at the World Cup . They will surely book thier tickets in the playoffs
Fastook 2 months ago

You and who ?? What exactly has Nigeria done at the World Cup beside lay on their back flat for Argentina

You and who ?? What exactly has Nigeria done at the World Cup beside lay on their back flat for Argentina
@Godisking 2 months ago

Nigeria can't qualify for playoff please. They are not within the very best in 2nd place of the groups

Nigeria can't qualify for playoff please. They are not within the very best in 2nd place of the groups
Kay 2 months ago

Nigeria is among best 4 second placed teams. They are going to engage in the play off with Cameroon, Congo DR and Gabon. It's not going to be easy for them though.

Nigeria is among best 4 second placed teams. They are going to engage in the play off with Cameroon, Congo DR and Gabon. It's not going to be easy for them though.

Kk 2 months ago

My people the 419 country is completely out of the world cup, not even a miracle from above would save them. The 4 best second place teams going for the play off so far in Africa are Gambia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Madaga ...
read full comment

My people the 419 country is completely out of the world cup, not even a miracle from above would save them. The 4 best second place teams going for the play off so far in Africa are Gambia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Madagascar as at now. Nigeria is only on 17 points while there are teams with 18 points who cannot even make it to the play off. So please good bye to Nigeria, we don't need any 419 person in America
Selfmade UNIVERSAL 2 months ago

Ghanaweb and their stupid editors haha

Playoffs indeed

There are teams with 20,19, 18 points above Nigeria 17 and they are talking about playoffs for them

Ghanaweb and their stupid editors haha

Playoffs indeed

There are teams with 20,19, 18 points above Nigeria 17 and they are talking about playoffs for them
Tony Kweku 2 months ago

You are talking out of ignorance! Nigeria is qualified for the Playoffs on 15 points and +7. Recall that because of Eritrea withdrawal Fifa has to deduct the points gained against the last placed team in each group making onl ...
read full comment

You are talking out of ignorance! Nigeria is qualified for the Playoffs on 15 points and +7. Recall that because of Eritrea withdrawal Fifa has to deduct the points gained against the last placed team in each group making only 5 teams in each group for equality.
Selfmade UNIVERSAL 2 months ago

U ignorant too!!

They are matches still ongoing OFUI

U ignorant too!!

They are matches still ongoing OFUI
Tony Kweku 2 months ago

You talking trash as usual!
After the points earned deduction against the bottom teams, here’s how the 2nd-placed teams stand:

1. Gabon – 16 Points, +4 GD
2. Cameroun – 15 Points +9 GD
3. Nigeria – 15 Points +7G ...
read full comment

You talking trash as usual!
After the points earned deduction against the bottom teams, here’s how the 2nd-placed teams stand:

1. Gabon – 16 Points, +4 GD
2. Cameroun – 15 Points +9 GD
3. Nigeria – 15 Points +7GD
4. Burkina Faso – 15 Points +6GD
5. DR Congo (has a game in hand) – 13 Points +4GD
wofa yaw 2 months ago

Wrong
Gabon, 25
DR Congo, 22
Burkina, 21
Cameroun,19

Nigeria 17 points is 7th

Wrong
Gabon, 25
DR Congo, 22
Burkina, 21
Cameroun,19

Nigeria 17 points is 7th
Selfmade UNIVERSAL 2 months ago

Kwasiafui, Dr Congo is leading Sudan

Senegal and drawing with Mauritania OFUI

Kwasiafui, Dr Congo is leading Sudan

Senegal and drawing with Mauritania OFUI
You can't fixed stupid for real !!! 2 months ago

Educate them for me ma Guy... you get sence pass.... all these empty barrels are making noise..nj9 indeed has qualified for the playoffs.. Fact

Educate them for me ma Guy... you get sence pass.... all these empty barrels are making noise..nj9 indeed has qualified for the playoffs.. Fact
You can't fixed stupid for real !!! 2 months ago

9ja already has qualified for the playoffs

9ja already has qualified for the playoffs
kwaku 2 months ago

Tony your argument doesn't make any sense whatsoever. The rules are clearly stated that only the top 4 second best qualifies for the play off. That being said, if the rule is based on FIFA top ranked teams finishing second... ...
read full comment

Tony your argument doesn't make any sense whatsoever. The rules are clearly stated that only the top 4 second best qualifies for the play off. That being said, if the rule is based on FIFA top ranked teams finishing second...then Nigeria might get the chance for the play off because ranking wise, they are ahead of Burkina Faso, Gabon and Congo.

MARK 2 months ago

Ghana web, check your facts before you post an article
Nigeria won't qualify for the play offs/ There are 6 countries that had more than the 17 pts Nigeria had finishing second in their group. Only 4 best second teams are go ...
read full comment

Ghana web, check your facts before you post an article
Nigeria won't qualify for the play offs/ There are 6 countries that had more than the 17 pts Nigeria had finishing second in their group. Only 4 best second teams are going to the play off
SBI 2 months ago

Just read the whole article again and you'll understand why Nigeria has qualified for the playoffs as the 3rd best second place team.

Just read the whole article again and you'll understand why Nigeria has qualified for the playoffs as the 3rd best second place team.
kwaku 2 months ago

My friend, Eritrea withdraw from the group stage has no bearing for the rest of groups. It only affected group E.

My friend, Eritrea withdraw from the group stage has no bearing for the rest of groups. It only affected group E.
Ghanaman 2 months ago

Folks as mentioned, FIFA has found a way for Nigeria to be in the playoffs. They want Nigeria to be there so badly, because of its population. I am sure they will change the rules again at the playoffs if as expected Nigeria ...
read full comment

Folks as mentioned, FIFA has found a way for Nigeria to be in the playoffs. They want Nigeria to be there so badly, because of its population. I am sure they will change the rules again at the playoffs if as expected Nigeria doesn't make it there either.
Daniel Ezekiel 2 months ago

Nigeria will forever be your headaches Ghana!
Id Nigeria the only team in second position?

Nigeria will forever be your headaches Ghana!
Id Nigeria the only team in second position?
re: 2 months ago

I am Ghanaian but never in my life will your zoo be my headache. Maybe some Ghanaians. Your zoo are making videos on Ghana's qualification on youtube. I guess Ghana is your headache.

I am Ghanaian but never in my life will your zoo be my headache. Maybe some Ghanaians. Your zoo are making videos on Ghana's qualification on youtube. I guess Ghana is your headache.
re: 2 months ago

If Ghana is.not your headache why are you spying on a Ghanaian platform. Don't you have anything better to do with your time than snooping on Ghanaian platforms as a Zoogerian.

If Ghana is.not your headache why are you spying on a Ghanaian platform. Don't you have anything better to do with your time than snooping on Ghanaian platforms as a Zoogerian.
Ghanaman 2 months ago

Very good point, why are you snooping around on a Ghanaian platform? The news here is mostly about Ghanaian issues so why are you here? Having said that, let's look at a few things that happened during the qualifiers. I suspe ...
read full comment

Very good point, why are you snooping around on a Ghanaian platform? The news here is mostly about Ghanaian issues so why are you here? Having said that, let's look at a few things that happened during the qualifiers. I suspect that Nigeria bribed Benin to play it soft to give them a chance. They were expecting South Africa to lose or draw. How much will it take to bribe Benin, 25 players or so, each $1 million=$25 million, plus a couple of millions for the country and the officials. When they realized that South Africa was winning, they went for the second best option, for Benin to allow in 4 goals, exactly the number of goals needed for the playoffs. Now you are in the playoffs, who are you going to bribe? Before you start thinking that all this is an imagination, think about what Libya tried to do to our Ghanaian players in Tripoli during the finals of the African Nations Cup. The 3 other teams to face Nigeria are so formidable that it will not be easy for them at all. Maybe, FIFA will change the rules again to favor Nigeria or just say, we tried everything to help you but you are helpless!
You can't fixed stupid for real !!! 2 months ago

You are a sharp Guy....Benin definitely sold the match for alatafour... there's no way in hell that Alata people can beat them 4;0 and if you know you know ... the match was SOLD

You are a sharp Guy....Benin definitely sold the match for alatafour... there's no way in hell that Alata people can beat them 4;0 and if you know you know ... the match was SOLD
Fortune 2 months ago

We are in palyoff

We are in palyoff
Paa Pee 2 months ago

There is a very stupid rule that all matches against the 6th placed teams should be removed to help the group with only 5teams. That rule will benefit only Nigeria who got the least points from the 6th placed team. This is u ...
read full comment

There is a very stupid rule that all matches against the 6th placed teams should be removed to help the group with only 5teams. That rule will benefit only Nigeria who got the least points from the 6th placed team. This is unfair to the other good teams who got five points more than Nideria. This rule is a new one decided when Eritea quit.
Job 2 months ago

Am confused here oooo

Am confused here oooo
Adjei 2 months ago

Why are you all angry that Nigeria qualified for playoffs? Doe their lack of qualification make your lives better?

Why are you all angry that Nigeria qualified for playoffs? Doe their lack of qualification make your lives better?
Kk 2 months ago

The 419 people are completely out of the world cup. See you in 2030 world cup. For now the countries that qualified for the playoffs according to their points are ;Gambia -25, DR Congo-22, Burkina Faso - 21 and Cameroon-19 p ...
read full comment

The 419 people are completely out of the world cup. See you in 2030 world cup. For now the countries that qualified for the playoffs according to their points are ;Gambia -25, DR Congo-22, Burkina Faso - 21 and Cameroon-19 points respectively
Nelly 2 months ago

@kk, why calling Nigeria 419 country in your comment, you are so daft and ignorant, if Nigeria is not qualified, is it the end of the world, the company like Nike wants Nigeria to be there because they make money, Nigeria is ...
read full comment

@kk, why calling Nigeria 419 country in your comment, you are so daft and ignorant, if Nigeria is not qualified, is it the end of the world, the company like Nike wants Nigeria to be there because they make money, Nigeria is an asset when it comes to our kits, anyway am not here to insulting Ghanaians but you, you sound childish as if Nigeria will be your problem in the world Cup, afterall, your team always fails to get to second round, just sit down and cover your face with shame, mumu, see the way you are happy, oh my God, people are so funny, just cover your face and leave that childish comment for your kids. Idiot.
Fastook 2 months ago

Because Nigeria does not deserve to be there . Other countries performed better and deserved it more . Why should other countries like Madagascar, Burkina Faso and others who performed better be punished just because they won ...
read full comment

Because Nigeria does not deserve to be there . Other countries performed better and deserved it more . Why should other countries like Madagascar, Burkina Faso and others who performed better be punished just because they won and had more points. You guys are losers and you’ll get knocked out of the playoffs
re: 2 months ago

Ghand has a better world cup record than your useless Super Eagles Until you break qualify for quarter finals come and let have a conversation. Oh you think your country is going to do better than Ghana. Useless

Ghand has a better world cup record than your useless Super Eagles Until you break qualify for quarter finals come and let have a conversation. Oh you think your country is going to do better than Ghana. Useless
Adjei 2 months ago

Why are you all angry that Nigeria qualified for playoffs? Doe their lack of qualification make your lives better?

Why are you all angry that Nigeria qualified for playoffs? Doe their lack of qualification make your lives better?
KooManu 2 months ago

Nigeria is in the playoffs and they'd play Gabon or DRC. They qualified for the playoffs because Fifa said it would be fair for the second placed teams to drop points against the bottom placed team in each group because Eritr ...
read full comment

Nigeria is in the playoffs and they'd play Gabon or DRC. They qualified for the playoffs because Fifa said it would be fair for the second placed teams to drop points against the bottom placed team in each group because Eritrea withdrew from the competition. That is why Nigeria qualified for the playoffs ahead of say Madagascar, Burkina Faso etc because Nigeria didn't win against the bottom team (Zimbabwe) in that group so their total points of 17 were discounted by 2 points hence they are one of the best four second placed teams with 15 points. So they basically made it on goal difference versus Niger who also finished with 15 points after discounting points.
Ignoramus 2 months ago

Trying for shedding light on the situation to educate the ignorant ones who are so desperate to see Nigeria eliminated. The celebrations are premature for now. Save them until perhaps November or March

Trying for shedding light on the situation to educate the ignorant ones who are so desperate to see Nigeria eliminated. The celebrations are premature for now. Save them until perhaps November or March
Mike Agyemang 2 months ago

They should work hard next time

They should work hard next time
@Godisking 2 months ago

CAF AWAM. Nigeria not qualified to play playoff

CAF AWAM. Nigeria not qualified to play playoff
@Godisking 2 months ago

Then for the sake of natural justice all teams should have points gained from 6 th placed teams deducted and the table reshuffled.

Then for the sake of natural justice all teams should have points gained from 6 th placed teams deducted and the table reshuffled.
TG 2 months ago

Nigeria can actually get to the playoffs

Nigeria can actually get to the playoffs
Ghana will go 2 months ago

Hmmmm Nigeria why

Hmmmm Nigeria why
ANELKA DE LENGED 2 months ago

Write your comment EIII NAGERIA PAA WONDERS SHALL NEVER END.

Write your comment EIII NAGERIA PAA WONDERS SHALL NEVER END.
They should keep trying 2 months ago

It would be strange for Ghana to go and leave our fellow Jollofians behind. They should try harder or else we go laugh them too much!

It would be strange for Ghana to go and leave our fellow Jollofians behind. They should try harder or else we go laugh them too much!
Tesla 2 months ago

We have three points worth noting:
Points acquired
Goal difference
Head to head, in that order. The deduction of the points acquired from last team comes under head to head. that comes after the points build up, as well as ...
read full comment

We have three points worth noting:
Points acquired
Goal difference
Head to head, in that order. The deduction of the points acquired from last team comes under head to head. that comes after the points build up, as well as goal difference.
TG 2 months ago

Nigeria now face Gabon in the playoffs

Nigeria now face Gabon in the playoffs
Bastie the Emperor of Kumasi 2 months ago

LOL the ZOOOOOOO will be in PortHacourt, whiles Ghana will be in Pot 1

LOL the ZOOOOOOO will be in PortHacourt, whiles Ghana will be in Pot 1
You can't fixed stupid for real !!! 2 months ago

The match was SOLD by Benin Rep.

The match was SOLD by Benin Rep.
Adebayor 2 months ago

Just like how ghana sold off the last encounter that we have been beating u... lolzzz. continue to cry

Just like how ghana sold off the last encounter that we have been beating u... lolzzz. continue to cry
Adebayor 2 months ago

You are a failure bro.. all ur cursed on Nigeria did not come to pass

You are a failure bro.. all ur cursed on Nigeria did not come to pass

63 Comments

Welcome,

SIGN IN

Welcome,

RESET PASSWORD

Hello,

Terms and conditions

REGISTER

Nigeria miss out on automatic qualification for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Read Comments .st0{display:none;fill:#14BDD3;} .st1{display:none;} .st2{display:inline;fill:#FC0F0F;} .st3{display:inline;fill:#FFFFFF;} .st4{display:inline;fill:none;stroke:#000000;stroke-width:6;stroke-miterlimit:10;} Comments (63)

Read Comments Comments (63)