Lesotho vs Nigeria: FIFA set to hand Super Eagles new World Cup chance 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles could be offered a World Cup qualification lifeline if they miss out on automatic qualification in their group. 

The Super Eagles currently face a difficult task of qualifying for next year’s World Cup, as they sit third in their group going into the final two qualifiers. 

Eric Chelle’s men are currently third in their group, three points behind the Bafana Bafana of South Africa and the Squirrels of Benin, who lead the group on goal difference. 

Although Nigeria can still qualify as group winners if results go their way, the chances of that happening are quite low. 

However, the Super Eagles could get another chance to qualify if they miss out on top spot, as FIFA and CAF are currently deliberating on implementing a rule that could favour the three-time African champions. 

According to the qualifying rule, only the group winners will qualify automatically, with the four best second-placed teams advancing to the playoffs for the sole intercontinental playoff ticket. 

Although the Super Eagles are currently not among the four best second-placed teams, CAF and FIFA are considering removing the points earned against the bottom side in each group in the calculation of the best runners-up, according to multiple reports.

This is because Eritrea withdrew from Group E, creating a total imbalance as it has five teams instead of six teams that are in other groups. 

Although nothing is official yet, CAF is expected to give a verdict after the qualifiers are done next Tuesday. 

Should CAF apply FIFA’s rule, the Super Eagles might just sneak in as one of the four best second-placed teams. 

Chelle’s men will finish at least in second place if they win their last two games and overhaul Benin’s goal difference- the team they face on the last day. 

Currently, Gabon, Madagascar, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon sit in the top four for second-place rankings. 

However, Gabon, Madagascar and Burkina Faso could lose six points each if CAF decides to implement the rule, giving Nigeria a chance to climb the rankings. 

There’s still a long way to go, though, as the Super Eagles need to win their final two games and hope decisions go their way.