Despite thrashing Benin Republic 4–0, Nigeria is yet to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but still remains firmly in contention through the African playoff route.

The Super Eagles are among four African teams that have advanced to the CAF Playoffs, scheduled to take place between November 13 and 16, 2025, at a venue to be announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The mini-tournament will determine one team to represent Africa in the Inter-Confederation Playoffs.

According to CAF’s format, the playoffs will feature a semi-final and final involving four teams: Gabon vs Nigeria and Cameroon vs DR Congo.

The pairings are based on FIFA world rankings, with the highest-ranked team facing the lowest-ranked side.

The winner of the final will advance to the Inter-Confederation Playoffs, where teams from five continents will battle for the last two tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

The Inter-Confederation Playoffs are scheduled for March 2026 and will feature six teams from five different confederations, with the two best teams from that series joining the 48-nation tournament.

For Nigeria to make it to the World Cup, the Super Eagles must first win the CAF Playoffs to earn a spot in the Inter-Confederation Playoffs, and then secure victory in that stage to seal their qualification.