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As Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers continue from Wednesday, two contrasting teams underperforming Nigeria and overachieving Sudan find themselves in the spotlight.
Nigeria’s Unexpected Struggles
Seeded to win Group C, Nigeria’s Super Eagles featuring African stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are shockingly fifth in a six-team group. Draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, followed by a defeat to Benin, have left their World Cup hopes in jeopardy.
Since finishing as runners-up in the 2024 AFCON, Nigeria has cycled through three coaches—Finidi George, Augustine Eguavoen, and now Eric Chelle, who was previously fired by Mali. As they face Rwanda away and Zimbabwe at home, Chelle insists, “Football is about scoring goals, and I favor an attacking style.”
Sudan’s Unexpected Rise
Meanwhile, Sudan only seeded fifth in Group B sits first, ahead of three-time World Cup qualifiers Senegal. Their top-of-the-table clash will take place in Libya due to the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has displaced over 12 million people.
Coach Kwesi Appiah has urged his players to believe in themselves: “Look straight at the Senegalese stars and believe you are as good as they are.” Sudan will face a Senegal side featuring Sadio Mané but missing Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson due to injury.
Key Matchups to Watch
Ethiopia vs. Egypt: Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud Trezeguet, aims to extend their lead in Group A. Ethiopia, ranked 113 places below Egypt, will play their “home” match in Morocco due to stadium restrictions.
Rwanda vs. Nigeria: Nigeria must be wary Rwanda shocked them in AFCON qualifiers last year. Both teams have new coaches, with Adel Amrouche now leading Rwanda.
Gambia vs. Kenya: Former South African star Benni McCarthy debuts as Kenya’s coach, hoping to pull off an upset in Group F.
Ghana vs. Chad: With Chad in disarray pllayers boycotting, a coach resigning Otto Addo’s Ghana cannot afford another slip-up after missing AFCON 2025.
With the qualifiers reaching the halfway mark, pressure is mounting. Can Nigeria recover? Will Sudan continue their fairytale run? The coming matchdays will be decisive.
