As the 2026 World Cup qualifiers reach the halfway point, Nigeria and Sudan are facing critical challenges on their paths to qualification.
The Super Eagles, once expected to dominate Group C, have underperformed and sit fifth in a six-team group.
Despite boasting stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Nigeria has struggled with a series of disappointing results, including draws with Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, and a loss to Benin.
Following a second-place finish at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria has cycled through three coaches: Finidi George, Augustine Eguavoen, and now Eric Chelle.
Chelle, who was dismissed by Mali after a poor World Cup start, acknowledges the enormity of the task ahead.
Starting with matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe this month, Chelle aims to lead Nigeria to redemption with an attacking style of play, capitalising on his team’s star forwards.
Meanwhile, Sudan, in an unexpected twist, leads Group B despite being seeded fifth. The team now faces a crucial clash with Senegal, aiming for their first-ever World Cup appearance.
Due to ongoing civil unrest, the match will be played in Libya, a decision that highlights the dire situation in Sudan, where a civil war has displaced millions and caused widespread devastation.
Matchday Five Highlights
Ethiopia vs. Egypt: Ethiopia, ranked far lower than Egypt, must contend with star players Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud Trezeguet, as well as the newly signed Omar Marmoush from Manchester City. Despite the disparity in rankings, the match will be held in Morocco due to Ethiopia’s lack of a FIFA-approved stadium.
Sudan vs Senegal: Sudan, currently leading Group B, faces a tough challenge against Senegal, who will rely on Sadio Mane for inspiration. However, Senegal will be without Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, who is sidelined due to injury.
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Nigeria must be cautious against Rwanda, despite their superior ranking. In the previous Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Rwanda managed to secure a shock win over Nigeria, making this a match Nigeria cannot afford to take lightly.
Gambia vs Kenya: Benni McCarthy, former South African international and current Kenya coach, makes his debut, hoping to lead the Harambee Stars to surprise victories. Kenya faces a crucial away fixture against Gambia, with hopes of progressing to the World Cup playoffs still alive.
Ghana vs Chad: After a poor run of results, including a shocking loss to Comoros, Ghana cannot afford to slip up against Chad. With key players like Thomas Partey and Jordan Ayew, Ghana will aim to secure an important win ahead of a challenging match against Madagascar.
As the World Cup qualifiers progress, these teams will face crucial tests of their resolve and ambition on the road to 2026.
