Super Eagles get lifeline as CAF adjusts World Cup qualifying rules

Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has received a timely boost after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) revised its qualification format in response to Eritrea’s withdrawal from the competition.

Eritrea’s exit created an uneven playing field, leaving Group E with only five teams instead of the standard six.

To restore fairness, CAF and FIFA are now weighing a rule adjustment that would see points earned against the bottom-placed team in each group excluded when determining the best runners-up.

In a circular signed by CAF’s Director of Tournaments and Events, Samson Adamu, the organization explained that whenever a group drops below five teams due to a withdrawal or disqualification, the results against the lowest-ranked or withdrawn teams will not count in the comparison of second-placed sides.

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The modification, made in accordance with Article 11.5 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary competition regulations, aims to maintain uniformity in selecting Africa’s four best runners-up.

If approved, the change could significantly alter the qualification picture. Burkina Faso, DR Congo, Madagascar, and Gabon could each lose six points, potentially reshuffling the standings. Conversely, Cameroon (–4 points) and Nigeria stand to benefit, improving their playoff prospects.

For the Super Eagles, who currently sit outside the automatic qualification spot after collecting only two points against bottom-placed Zimbabwe, the development offers renewed hope. With results against the lowest-ranked teams set to be disregarded, Nigeria’s position could improve considerably.

With crucial fixtures ahead against Lesotho and Benin, Nigeria will look to take advantage of the revised criteria, secure vital wins, and revive their push to return to the global stage after missing out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

CAF reaffirmed that the adjustment was necessary “to ensure fairness and balance in the competition’s structure,” emphasizing its commitment to transparency and sporting integrity despite unexpected team withdrawals.

(VANGUARD)