The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers return in March after a nine-month hiatus, and for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, it’s a make-or-break season. Going winless in their first four qualifiers has left them on the verge of missing out on the World Cup for a second consecutive time if the situation isn’t salvaged.

With three draws and one loss, Nigeria sits fifth in Group C of Africa’s qualifying campaign, where only one team from each group will secure a ticket to the Mundial. Only a perfect run in their remaining group games will give Nigeria a realistic shot at qualification. How this will pan out remains uncertain, but a closer look at the Super Eagles over the months provides viable precedents. Since losing 2-1 to Benin Republic in their last World Cup qualifier on June 10, 2024, what has changed for Nigeria, and how might it impact the course of their next crucial match against the Wasps of Rwanda?

Coaching Adjustments

Since their last World Cup qualifier in June, the Super Eagles’ managerial situation has undergone significant changes. Finidi George’s tenure ended in July before Austin Eguavoen was appointed on an interim basis for the AFCON qualifiers between September and November. Now, the Eagles have a new gaffer in Eric Chelle, whose primary assignment is to overturn the tides.

The 47-year-old Malian was one of the standout coaches at the 2024 AFCON, leading an underdog team to the quarter-finals before Côte d’Ivoire eliminated them. On paper, Chelle’s tactical awareness is promising, but managing a team like the Super Eagles often defies expectations. To make matters more challenging, his first match in charge is a high-stakes affair. This means the Malian has little room for experimentation with tactics or player profiles and will likely be forced to work with the foundation laid by his predecessor. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, considering Nigeria went unbeaten under Eguavoen until their last AFCON qualifier in November.

Nevertheless, this change in coaching staff will be crucial to the final outcome.

Form and Fitness

The European season is in full swing, and Super Eagles players are performing for their respective clubs. Scanning through Nigerian players in top leagues, it’s safe to say that form is on their side—at least for the key ones.

2023 CAF Player of the Year Victor Osimhen has been on fire for Galatasaray, scoring 14 goals in 18 appearances in their Turkish Super Lig campaign. Ademola Lookman is also in top form with 15 goal contributions and has recently bounced back from an injury setback. Other players like Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, Dele Bashiru, Calvin Bassey, and Raphael Onyedika are also enjoying impressive runs, which bodes well for Chelle — provided they stay injury-free before the match in March.

Rwanda’s Unsettling Threat 

The Wasps of Rwanda may not be one of Africa’s football powerhouses, but they have proven to be a tough nut to crack, particularly for the Super Eagles. The two sides met twice in the AFCON 2025 qualification Group D, and on both occasions, Nigeria struggled. The first leg ended in a goalless draw before the Wasps shocked the Super Eagles with a 2-1 victory in their final AFCON qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in November.

That match was relatively inconsequential, considering Nigeria had already sealed their AFCON 2025 ticket after going unbeaten in their first five matches. However, it provided Rwanda with a confidence boost, proving they can secure results away from home. That distasteful loss was Nigeria’s last outing before the World Cup qualifiers resume, and it remains to be seen whether they have learned from it when they meet again in March.