The CAF Africa qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup return this week after a nine-month break, with crucial matches set to shape the fate of several teams. With six rounds remaining in the 10-match group stage, teams are under pressure to secure their spots in the tournament.
The nine group winners will qualify directly for the finals in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, while the four best second-placed teams will have a chance to compete for one final spot through play-offs.
Nigeria in Crisis Mode: Super Eagles Face a Must-Win Window
Among Africa’s football powerhouses, Nigeria faces the greatest urgency to revive its World Cup hopes. Still without a win in Group C, the Super Eagles sit four points behind leaders Rwanda. Newly appointed coach Eric Chelle, the first non-Nigerian African to lead the team, steps into a pressure-cooker situation
Nigeria will travel to Rwanda before hosting Zimbabwe, knowing that anything less than two victories could jeopardize their World Cup hopes.
“There is pressure in football, I say time is the enemy of the coach. But I’m confident and I believe in my players.”” Chelle admitted.
Star striker Victor Osimhen echoed the urgency, saying, “We are desperate to make it to the World Cup. Missing out in 2022 hurt us, and we don’t want to feel that pain again.”
Rwanda’s Strong Start and Managerial Shift
Rwanda has been one of the surprise packages of the qualifiers, topping Group C with seven points. Their campaign started with a goalless draw against Zimbabwe, followed by a stunning 2-0 win over South Africa. A narrow defeat to Benin was a setback, but they bounced back with a crucial victory over Lesotho.
However, a managerial change could impact their momentum. Torsten Spittler, who oversaw their impressive start, departed after his contract was not renewed.
Rwanda defeated Nigeria in Uyo in the AFCON qualifiers. Photo by Imago
In March, the Rwandan FA appointed Algerian-Belgian coach Adel Amrouche, who will be eager to make a strong impression in his first game against Nigeria.
“We respect Nigeria, but we fear no one, Our goal is to keep our momentum and qualify for history.”Amrouche stated
Nigeria’s Struggles and Squad Changes
Despite being the highest-ranked team in Group C, Nigeria sits in fifth place with three draws and one loss. Their campaign began with a frustrating 1-1 draw at home against Lesotho, followed by another 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe. A home stalemate against South Africa and a shocking 2-1 defeat to Benin have put them in a precarious position.
READ MORE:Flamingos set to face Algeria in final round of U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
Constant managerial changes have not helped Nigeria’s cause. José Peseiro led the team in the first two qualifiers before stepping down. Finidi George took over but lasted only two matches, and Augustine Eguavoen held the position temporarily before Eric Chelle was appointed.
Igoh Ogbu one of the new faces for the Super Eagles. Photo by Imago
Chelle has named a 23-man squad featuring new call-ups Tolu Arokodare, Igoh Ogbu, Papa Daniel Mustapha, and goalkeeper Kayode Bankole. Osimhen returns to lead the attack, alongside Ademola Lookman.
Key Clashes Across the Continent
Beyond Group C, several other teams are facing crucial battles. In Group I, Mali looks to close the four-point gap to leaders Comoros under new coach Tom Saintfiet.
“We are not in an easy position, but I have a very talented group, It’s a big luxury to have so many quality players. We will give everything to make history. “said Saintfiet.
In Group B, Senegal will be without Premier League forwards Nicolas Jackson and Iliman Ndiaye as they take on surprise leaders Sudan. Pape Thiaw, who replaced Aliou Cissé, will hope to maintain continuity and guide the Teranga Lions back to the top.
“Senegal is a family, We must work together and keep pushing. “former star El Hadji Diouf remarked.
Mendy of Senegal and Salah of Egypt. Photo by Reuters
Meanwhile, Egypt enjoys the healthiest lead in the qualifiers, sitting four points clear in Group A. Captain Mohamed Salah will look to continue his fine form for the Pharaohs, who take on Ethiopia and Sierra Leone.
“The World Cup is our goal, We must stay focused and finish the job.” Salah asserted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
In Group F, reigning African champions Ivory Coast hold a slim one-point advantage, with Zambia and Gabon close behind.
“We cannot afford complacency, Every game is a final. “said Elephants captain Franck Kessié.
Kessie will aim to captain the AFCON Champions through the World Cup Qualifiers. Photo by Getty Images
Group G remains the most unpredictable, with five teams separated by just three points. Algeria, led by Vladimir Petkovic, must navigate tricky encounters against Mozambique and Botswana.
“This group is very competitive, Every team believes they can qualify.”” Petkovic said.
Elsewhere, Cameroon leads Group D by just one point over Cape Verde and Libya, with new Libyan coach Aliou Cissé hoping to shake up the standings.
“Libya has potential, We want to dream big.”Cissé stated.
With crucial matches set to unfold across the continent, Africa’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains as fiercely contested as ever.
