There is a real possibility Nigeria will not play at the 2026 World Cup. The last time the Super Eagles featured in the tournament was in 2018. The three-time African champions were missing in 2022 when it was held in Qatar. It came down to a two-legged play-off against fierce rivals, Ghana.
The first leg in Kumasi ended goalless. In Abuja, the Black Stars held on for a 1-1 draw. The quest to play at the next one in Mexico, USA and Canada didn't start well. Nigeria were held to a 1-1 home draw by Lesotho in their Group C opener, before coming from behind to draw again with Zimbabwe in their second match. Between those matches and Friday's clash with South Africa in Uyo, Jose Peseiro left his role as head coach and was replaced by Finidi George .
'He got some things wrong, like Onuachu, who did nothing for us even if we won a few fouls from it. 'In fact, it made us surrender possession more and seemed to shut down our momentum whenever we started to pass through the South Africans. 'Some of the inter-play, with Iwobi at the centre of it, was delightful and could have produced goals if we finished better. 'Ultimately, there were more good signs than bad, and it is a performance we can build on.
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