Nigeria’s World Cup Dream Revived: Super Eagles Get Crucial Boost

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have received a timely boost in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld FIFA’s decision to deduct six points from Equatorial Guinea for fielding an ineligible player.

The case centered on striker Emilio Nsue, who scored the decisive goals in Equatorial Guinea’s 1-0 victories over Namibia and Liberia last November. Despite representing Equatorial Guinea for over a decade, FIFA ruled that Nsue never obtained the required clearance to switch allegiance from Spain, where he had previously featured at youth level.

As a result, FIFA annulled both results and awarded 3-0 victories to Namibia and Liberia. Equatorial Guinea appealed the decision, but CAS dismissed the challenge, dramatically altering the Group H standings. The team dropped from second place with 16 points to fifth with 10, while Namibia climbed to second on 15 points, reviving their play-off hopes.

For Nigeria, the ruling carries significant implications. In Group C, South Africa currently leads with 17 points, followed by Benin with 14 and Nigeria with 11. With the Equatorial Guinea sanction, the Super Eagles remain firmly in contention for one of the four best runners-up slots across Africa, which would guarantee a place in the inter-confederation play-offs.

Nigeria’s chances could further improve as FIFA continues investigating South Africa over the eligibility of midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who reportedly featured against Lesotho in March despite being suspended for accumulated yellow cards. If South Africa’s three points from that match are rescinded, Bafana Bafana would drop to 14 points, making Group C even more competitive and widening Nigeria’s pathway.

The Super Eagles are set to face Lesotho away and Benin at home in their final group fixtures. Strong performances in those matches, coupled with possible sanctions against South Africa, could put Nigeria in a commanding position to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.