‘How did we get here?’ - Ex-Super Eagles star laments Nigeria's World Cup chances

Former Nigeria striker Brown Ideye has voiced his frustration over the Super Eagles' position in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Nigeria faces the risk of missing out on their second consecutive World Cup tournament, with the team currently sitting third in Group C, four points adrift of group leaders Benin with only two games remaining.

Disappointing results, including dropped points against Benin, Lesotho and South Africa, have marred the Super Eagles' campaign. 

Their fate is no longer in their own hands, as qualification now depends on both Benin and South Africa losing ground in the final fixtures.

Ideye speaks on World Cup chances

Ahead of the games, Ideye expressed his disappointment at the team's current predicament.

"It's not in our hands anymore," Ideye stated on X. "We just have to win these two games and pray South Africa drops points, which I don't see them doing. 

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“How did we get here? It's a question I ask myself sometimes."Can the Super Eagles Still Qualify for the 2026 World Cup?”

At this stage, Nigeria's path to the World Cup requires a near-miraculous turn of events. While the Super Eagles received a minor boost last week after FIFA sanctioned South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, the primary beneficiary of that ruling was Benin.

For Nigeria to have any hope, they need South Africa to secure no more than one point from their upcoming home games against Zimbabwe and Rwanda—an unlikely scenario. Furthermore, Nigeria must hope that Benin either loses or draws against Rwanda.

As things stand, fans may have to wait until 2030 for another chance to see their team compete on the world's biggest stage.

The final round of CAF World Cup qualifiers is set to take place this month, with Nigeria scheduled to face Lesotho and Benin.