World Cup 2026: Nigeria keeper Stanley Nwabali hopeful ahead of next qualifiers

Photo: Nigeria Football Federation

Nigeria’s potential qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is hanging by a thin thread but Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has expressed confidence in their chances ahead of the next qualifiers.

Nigeria are currently seated fourth in Group C on 7 points from six matches – one point from Benin and Rwanda in second and six away from leaders South Africa. Speaking at national teammate William Troost-Ekong's charity match in Lagos, the Chippa United keeper expressed confidence in the team’s ability to secure qualification.

“We are working towards it. I know it’s not going to be easy. Just because we are Nigerian doesn’t mean we will win every game. But we are going to give it everything.

“We still have a lot of hope, and we believe qualification is possible."

The three-time African champions will return to their World Cup qualifying campaign in early September at home against Rwanda before traveling for a massive match at South Africa. There remains an element of mystery in the group with the potential for a three-point deduction for South Africa after Bafana Bafana fielded an ineligible player in their victory over Lesotho in March.