World Cup Qualifier: Buhari's Ex-Aide Reacts as Omojuwa Shares Actual 'Table That Now Matters'
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering football and global sports.
Bloemfontein, South Africa - Bashir Ahmad, former special assistant on digital communications to late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday night, September 9, asserted that "Nigeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup is practically closed".
Legit.ng reported that an own goal by Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and an equaliser from Calvin Bassey saw Nigeria held to a 1-1 draw in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening, September 9.
Source: Twitter
Can Nigeria qualify for World Cup?
The Super Eagles’ failure to secure maximum points in South Africa leaves Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
With two matches left to play in the group, Nigeria are 6 points behind South Africa who currently top Group C with 17 points, while the Super Eagles are on 11 points alongside Benin Republic who have a match at hand.
Sharing a screenshot of the second-best-loser group, popular public commentator, Japheth Omojuwa stated that the particular classification "now matters for Nigeria".
Legit.ng's check showed that the Super Eagles are now in eighth place in the ranking for the second-best loser spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Gabon currently tops the second-best loser ranking with 18 points from seven matches.
Reacting to the development, Omojuwa said Nigeria must now finish top four in the second-best-loser group to stand any chance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup to be played in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
He wrote on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account with an accompanying image:
"This is the table that now matters for Nigeria. The direct qualification route ended today. Nigeria must now finish top 4 here to stand any chance. Looks unlikely. A win today would have made things easier."
Quote tweeting the post, Ahmad posited that the chance of Nigeria qualifying is slim, urging the West African giants to look forward to the future.
He wrote on his verified X page:
"I am not being pessimistic, but when you look at this table, it becomes clear that Nigeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup is practically closed. The gap is wide and with only two matches left, the chances are slim to none. The reality now is that the best step forward now is to accept this outcome and immediately start serious preparations for the 2030 World Cup."
Chelle reacts to South Africa match
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle shared his thoughts after the 1-1 draw against South Africa dealt a huge blow to Nigeria's chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former Mali coach explained that his players remain motivated for the remaining two games against Lesotho and Benin Republic in October.
Source: Legit.ng
