2026 World Cup Playoffs: Super Eagles of Nigeria can still qualify – Segun Odegbami

Nigerian football legend, Segun Odegbami, believes the Super Eagles stand a strong chance of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the upcoming playoff stage.

Nigeria secured one of the best runners-up spots on the continent after a commanding 4–0 victory over Benin Republic on Tuesday night, a result that capped off a turbulent qualifying campaign.

Star striker Victor Osimhen netted a superb hat-trick as the three-time African champions reignited their World Cup hopes.

The Super Eagles will now compete alongside Gabon, DR Congo, and Cameroon in a CAF mini-tournament playoff to determine which team advances to the intercontinental playoff stage.

Speaking after the match, Odegbami expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances:

“We did very well. I am happy with the boys, and I think we deserved to win. We now have an opportunity to qualify, and I believe we have a very good chance from these play-offs to make it to the World Cup,” he said.

The winner of the African playoff will proceed to face teams from other continents — including Bolivia, New Caledonia, two from Central America, and one from Asia — in the FIFA intercontinental playoff, where the final tickets to the 2026 World Cup will be decided.