Nwabali Confident Super Eagles Still in the Hunt for 2026 Qualification

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remains upbeat despite Nigeria’s stuttering start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. Speaking on Brila FM, the 29 year old netminder emphasised that the door to the finals is still ajar provided the team seizes maximum points in their remaining fixtures.

Currently sitting fourth in Group C after six matches, Nigeria trail the group leaders by six points. But Nwabali refused to offer excuses. “It is football. Just because we are Nigeria doesn’t mean we’re guaranteed to win every game,” he declared, adding that the squad will approach each fixture individually and strive for victory in all four remaining matches.

He reiterated this stance during a charity match hosted by William Troost‑Ekong in Lagos. “We still have a lot of hope, and we believe qualification is possible,” he told reporters. Nigeria’s path to the tournament involves home games against Rwanda and Benin in September, as well as away challenges in South Africa and Lesotho come September and October, respectively. With 12 points still available, Nwabali stressed that the Eagles remain in control of their own destiny.

Editorial

We’ve followed every twist in this qualifying saga, and Nwabali’s patience offers a calming voice amid mounting pressure. The Super Eagles are not just relying on old reputations they know promotion depends on seizing each opportunity as it arises.

We feel his realism this campaign is a test of via negativa rather than swagger. Nwabali’s message is clear: pride means nothing without performance between the posts. The bravery he displayed in his comments shows mental fortitude that could carry into the games themselves.

We hold the belief that Nigeria possess both the talent and the tenacity required. The looming matches against Rwanda, South Africa, Lesotho and Benin are all within reach both literally and metaphorically. Yet confidence must be matched with consistent pressure, across all four quarters, of each fixture.

We remain convinced that this is a fight Nigeria can win not because of pedigree alone, but because of character. Victory will come from unity, discipline and unwavering self-belief. And when that belief is vocalised as loudly as Nwabali’s, the rest of the team must align.

We continue to stand behind the Super Eagles and echo Nwabali’s urgent call grab every match, every point, and make this qualification campaign one to remember.

Did You Know?

1. Stanley Nwabali stands at an impressive 1.96 m tall, making him one of the tallest goalkeepers in the Super Eagles squad.
2. He began his senior career in 2018 with Go Round FC in Nigeria, before moving through Wikki Tourists, Enyimba, Lobi Stars and Katsina United.
3. Nwabali earned his first senior cap for Nigeria in 2021 during a friendly match against Mexico in Los Angeles.
4. In the 2023 AFCON semi-final versus South Africa, he was named Man of the Match after saving two penalties in Nigeria’s shootout win.
5. A potential three-point deduction for South Africa for fielding an ineligible player could significantly boost Nigeria’s chances in the group.