“They Didn’t Know They Needed Four!” — Inside the Confusion That Almost Cost Nigeria a World Cup Playoff Spot
In what now feels like a dramatic twist straight out of a football thriller, Super Eagles insider Colin Udoh has revealed that some Nigerian players, including goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, were unaware that they needed more than three goals to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs during Tuesday’s clash against Benin Republic in Uyo.
The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium was charged with emotion, tension, and uncertainty as fans watched the Super Eagles pour forward in search of redemption. Despite an early lead, the anxiety was thick — many knew that a three-goal margin wouldn’t be enough, but apparently, the players didn’t.
Nigeria eventually defeated Benin 4–0, with Frank Onyeka’s stoppage-time strike proving to be more than just a cherry on top — it was the goal that saved the nation’s World Cup dream.
According to Udoh, who spoke on ESPN FC, the situation was nearly disastrous.
“The goal was very important; it did look, for some minutes, that the players were not aware they needed a fourth goal,” Udoh explained.
“I saw the goalkeeper wasting time a little bit. I don’t know whether they knew or not, so I texted someone on the bench to tell the guys that we needed a fourth goal.
We got the fourth goal, and in the end, that single strike was enough for the Super Eagles to edge Burkina Faso and move on to the playoffs.”
Following the CAF’s revised qualification system — introduced after Eritrea’s withdrawal — Nigeria and Burkina Faso both ended with 15 points, but the Super Eagles advanced due to a superior goal difference of +7, compared to Les Étalons’ +6.
Udoh also shared that NFF President Ibrahim Gusau had to step in at halftime, reminding Victor Osimhen and his teammates that only a four-goal margin would guarantee qualification.
💬 Opinion: How Did We Get Here? Communication, Focus, and the Thin Line Between Triumph and Tragedy
This revelation raises serious questions about communication within the national team setup. How could players on the pitch — in such a crucial match — not fully grasp the qualification permutations?
Football at this level demands more than skill; it requires awareness, leadership, and precise coordination between management and players. Nigeria’s qualification was not just a product of Osimhen’s brilliance or Onyeka’s late heroics — it was also a reminder that a moment of confusion could have cost us everything.
That said, there’s a silver lining. The Super Eagles showed resilience, composure, and belief under immense pressure. While the situation shouldn’t have been this close, the fact that the team delivered when it mattered shows that there’s still spirit in this squad.
As Nigeria heads to Morocco for the playoffs against Gabon in November, the lesson is clear: clarity and communication win as much as goals do.
In football, small margins make great headlines — and on Tuesday night, Frank Onyeka’s goal was the difference between heartbreak and hope.
