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Engin Firat: ‘Nigeria still in contention for World Cup despite tough odds
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Former Kenya coach Engin Firat insists Nigeria remain firmly in the mix for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite a rocky qualifying campaign and a must-win clash against South Africa looming in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night.
The Super Eagles made a stuttering start to their Group C journey, drawing against Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa before suffering a shock defeat to the Benin Republic.
However, their recent 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo has revived slim hopes, leaving them third in the group with 10 points after seven matches.
Leaders South Africa sit on 16 points, with Benin on 11 and Rwanda on 8.
Firat, who has managed Fenerbahce, Eintracht Frankfurt and most recently the Kenyan national team, believes the situation is difficult but not hopeless.
“There is a chance, but it’s a very slim one,” Firat told Flashscore.com.
“Only the group winners qualify directly, and then four of the best runners-up across the continent go to the play-offs. That means Nigeria have to win every single remaining game. On top of that, they may need help from outside as FIFA is still reviewing a case that could take three points off South Africa for using an ineligible player. If that happens, the table changes. In short: it’s difficult, but the door isn’t closed yet.”
The stakes are clear: anything less than a win in Bloemfontein would all but end Nigeria’s chances of topping the group and put their playoff hopes in serious doubt.
Firat outlined where the contest will likely be decided, offering tactical advice on how to silence Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana, who remain unbeaten at home in the qualifiers.
“South Africa are strong when they control the midfield, so the first task is to break their rhythm,” the Turkish coach explained.
Nigeria will, however, head into the game without their talisman Victor Osimhen, who suffered a shin injury during the win over Rwanda. His absence leaves the attacking responsibility on the shoulders of players like Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface, and Ademola Lookman, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali expected to play a key role at the other end.
With just three matches remaining, Nigeria’s margin for error has disappeared. Victory over South Africa would cut the gap to three points and keep the Super Eagles’ World Cup dream alive. A defeat, however, could spell the end of their bid to reach the global showpiece.
For Firat, the message is simple: Nigeria must play like their World Cup hopes depend on it — because they do.
