Burkina Faso defender Steve Yago has slammed the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying format that saw Nigeria advance to the CAF play-offs ahead of his team.
The Stallions finished second in their group with 21 points, four more than Nigeria’s 17, but CAF’s adjusted ranking rules left them out of the play-offs.
In a fiery post on X, Yago said the decision “makes no sense” and accused CAF and FIFA of creating an unfair system.
“Honestly, it’s strange: you win your games against the weakest team in your group, yet Nigeria is ahead of you, even though they haven’t beaten Zimbabwe, who are last in their group,” Yago wrote.
“Apparently, beating the bottom team is too mainstream. Thank you, CAF and FIFA! My career is nearing its end, so I’ll start studying the system to criticize you properly soon.”
CAF had earlier explained the rule. After Eritrea withdrew before the qualifiers, CAF decided that results against last-placed teams would be excluded from the ranking of group runners-up.
The move aimed to ensure fairness since teams in Eritrea’s group would have gained six free points.
The recalculation left Nigeria level with Burkina Faso on 15 points after deductions.
The Super Eagles advanced thanks to a superior goal difference, +7 to Burkina Faso’s +6.
Yago’s comments echo growing frustration among fans and players who believe the rule change unfairly punished consistent performers.
Nigeria will now face Gabon in the CAF play-off semi-finals in Morocco on November 13, while Cameroon meet DR Congo in the other tie.
The winners will clash for a spot in next year’s intercontinental play-offs and a possible tenth African slot at the 2026 World Cup.
