Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has conceded that the Super Eagles have not done enough in their campaign to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein.

Naija News reports that the match result leaves Nigeria’s path to the most anticipated tournament unsure.

After the draw in South Africa, Nigeria remain in third place in Group C with 11 points from their eight matches played so far.

To stand a chance of qualification, the Eagles must win their last two matches, against Lesotho and the Benin Republic, and also hope for favourable outcomes elsewhere in the group.

Speaking at Blomfontein Airport after the game, Nwabali expressed regret that the team didn’t hit the ground running in the qualifiers.

“We (as a team) should have made more effort to qualify for the World Cup. We left it very late,” he told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana.

Naija News reports that the Super Eagles have managed just two wins in their eight group matches.

Several draws (many by 1-1 margins) have cost them vital points. Earlier losses, including a defeat to the Benin Republic away, deepened the challenge.

Key players such as Victor Osimhen have missed matches due to injury, undermining Nigeria’s attacking potency.

Despite the setback, coach Eric Chelle remains optimistic that qualification is still possible, though he admits the task is now more difficult.

“We are professional, so it’s still two games and for sure these players want to win these two games … but at this moment it is difficult for us because we wanted to win [against Bafana], and I think we did everything [to try and win],” Chelle said during an interview earlier.

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