Nigeria and Sudan face contrasting battles in World Cup qualifying

Nigeria’s struggles and Sudan’s unexpected rise take center stage as Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign reaches its halfway mark with matchday five fixtures starting Wednesday.

Despite boasting star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Nigeria sit fifth in Group C after a disappointing start, drawing with Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa before losing to Benin. The Super Eagles, seeking a seventh World Cup appearance, have already gone through three coaches since finishing as Africa Cup of Nations runners-up in February. Newly appointed Eric Chelle, who was dismissed by Mali earlier in the campaign, acknowledges the “huge challenge” ahead as Nigeria face Rwanda and Zimbabwe this month.

“Football is about scoring goals, and I favor an attacking style,” Chelle said, emphasizing the need to capitalize on Nigeria’s attacking talent.

Meanwhile, Sudan, initially seeded fifth in Group B, have defied expectations by leading the group ahead of three-time World Cup qualifiers Senegal. Ghanaian head coach Kwesi Appiah has urged his players to rise to the occasion ahead of their crucial clash in Benghazi.

“Look straight at the Senegalese stars and believe you are as good as they are,” Appiah told his squad. “There is a war raging in your homeland, and you are playing for your families and your country.”

Elsewhere, Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, visit Ethiopia, while Benni McCarthy makes his debut as Kenya’s head coach in a vital match against Gambia. Ghana, under pressure after a poor run, host Chad in a must-win encounter.

(Source: AFP)