Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon At Risk Of Not Qualifying For 2026 World Cup

Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon At Risk Of Not Qualifying For 2026 World Cup 

By Admin 

With four rounds remaining in the CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the race for Africa’s nine automatic spots is entering a critical phase. While some traditional powerhouses appear set for a smooth path to North America, others are dangerously close to an early exit, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Group A: 

Egypt in Command, Burkina Faso Hoping for a Miracle

Egypt have taken firm control of Group A, sitting five points clear of second-placed Burkina Faso. With upcoming fixtures against Ethiopia and Djibouti, the Pharaohs could all but confirm their qualification with two more wins. Burkina Faso, meanwhile, require a near-perfect run and a significant slip-up from Egypt to keep their hopes alive.

Group B: 

Deadlock Between DR Congo, Senegal, and Sudan

Group B remains one of the most competitive. DR Congo, Senegal, and Sudan are separated by just a single point. Senegal’s upcoming fixtures — including a potential group-decider against DR Congo and a tricky encounter with Sudan — could determine their fate. Sudan, eyeing a historic first World Cup appearance amid domestic challenges, remain dark horses.

Group C: 

Super Eagles Facing Critical Test

Nigeria’s qualification hopes hang in the balance. The Super Eagles sit fourth in Group C with seven points — six adrift of leaders South Africa, who have amassed 13 points.

Nigeria’s remaining matches against Rwanda (home) and South Africa (away) are effectively must-win encounters. Adding to the uncertainty is a pending disciplinary decision regarding South Africa’s alleged fielding of an ineligible player, a ruling that could significantly impact the standings.

Unless the Super Eagles produce a dramatic turnaround, they risk missing a second consecutive World Cup — a prospect that would send shockwaves across Nigerian football.

Group D: 

Cape Verde Eyeing Historic Qualification

Cape Verde are on the verge of making history, holding a slender one-point lead over Cameroon. A head-to-head clash between the two is expected to be decisive. However, Libya and Angola remain in mathematical contention and could play spoiler roles.

Group E: 

Morocco Close to Sealing Early Qualification

Having won all five of their matches so far, Morocco look set to become the first African team to secure qualification. The Atlas Lions face Niger and Zambia next, with both matches offering opportunities to maintain their flawless record.

Group F: 

Ivory Coast and Gabon Locked in Battle

Just one point separates Ivory Coast and Gabon at the top of Group F. Their upcoming clash is poised to be a group-defining encounter, though Burundi and Seychelles still have slim chances of influencing the final outcome.

Group G: 

Algeria in Pole Position — But Not Yet Safe

Algeria hold a three-point advantage over second-placed Mozambique, but upcoming away fixtures against Guinea and a home match versus Botswana mean there’s little margin for error.

Group H: Tunisia Ahead, but Legal Drama Looms

Tunisia currently lead Namibia by four points. However, an appeal from Equatorial Guinea — relating to player eligibility — could reshape the group’s dynamics. On the pitch, wins over Liberia and Equatorial Guinea could be enough to seal Tunisia’s spot.

Group I: 

Ghana Look to Bounce Back

Ghana, hoping to rebound from a disappointing AFCON 2025 campaign, lead Comoros by three points in Group I. A win against Chad followed by a key fixture versus Comoros could secure their return to the world stage.