Posted by Samuel on Thu 16th Oct, 2025 - tori.ng
The Super Eagles finished in second position behind leaders South Africa, who secured the automatic ticket.
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Idah Peterside has identified the two matches that cost Nigeria an automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Recall that Nigeria failed to secure an automatic ticket for next year’s World Cup in Group C.
The Super Eagles finished in second position behind leaders South Africa, who secured the automatic ticket.
As a result, Eric Chelle’s side then qualified for the playoffs and will face Gabon in November.
“Benin were topping the group and we beat them soundly,” Peterside told Soccer Beat.
“Imagine if Nigeria had taken this form against Benin earlier in the qualifiers.
“Two games cost Nigeria automatic qualification, Zimbabwe and Lesotho. We played draw, you can’t draw with Lesotho and Zimbabwe in Uyo, Nigeria,” he said.