National Teams
NPFL boss Elegbeleye confident Super Eagles will join South Africa at 2026 World Cup
By Dayo Awoniyi
Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Gbenga Elegbeleye, has expressed strong confidence that the Super Eagles will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite facing a challenging playoff path.
Speaking to SABC Sport, Elegbeleye said he was optimistic Nigeria would secure one of Africa’s remaining World Cup slots when the continental playoffs take place next month in Morocco.
“Congratulations to South Africa for qualifying for the World Cup. Nigeria is heading into the playoffs, and I can assure you we are going to qualify,” Elegbeleye said.
“We’ll definitely join South Africa in representing Africa at the World Cup.”
The NPFL chairman added that he hopes both nations will perform impressively on the global stage.
“I wish Nigeria and South Africa can go very far in the tournament — to the quarterfinals or even the semifinals. It will be a big plus for African football,” he noted.
Elegbeleye also commented on South Africa’s qualification campaign, acknowledging the administrative error that nearly cost Bafana Bafana their place.
South Africa ultimately topped Group C after a 3–0 victory over Rwanda, despite initially facing a three-point deduction for fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena while he was suspended.
“I hope South Africa learns from that mistake. It was a last-minute qualification, but we still wish them all the best,” he added.
Nigeria will aim to seal their World Cup return after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar, while South Africa have already secured their first appearance since hosting the tournament in 2010.
