Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs sparked debate across Africa.
Many fans asked why the Super Eagles, with 17 points, advanced ahead of Burkina Faso (21 pts), Madagascar (19 pts), and Uganda (18 pts).
CAF sets the record straight.
When Eritrea withdrew before the qualifiers began, CAF ruled that results against last-placed teams would not count in deciding the best runners-up.
The aim was to keep the contest fair, since teams in Eritrea’s group would gain six easy points without playing.
That rule changed everything.
- Madagascar lost six points from wins over Chad, dropping from 19 to 13 points.
- Burkina Faso gave up six points from victories against Djibouti, falling from 21 to 15 points.
- Uganda also lost six points from wins over Somalia, leaving them with 12 points.
- Nigeria had only two points from matches against Zimbabwe, cutting their total from 17 to 15 points.
After the adjustment, Nigeria and Burkina Faso both had 15 points.
CAF then used goal difference to separate them.
Nigeria had 13 goals scored and six conceded (+7), while Burkina Faso finished with 13 scored and seven conceded (+6).
That slim margin pushed Nigeria into the final play-off spot.
The decision placed the Super Eagles alongside Cameroon, Gabon, and DR Congo in the CAF play-offs, scheduled for November in Morocco.
The winner will move on to the intercontinental play-offs for a chance at Africa’s tenth World Cup slot.
CAF said the rule was essential to protect fairness and balance across all qualifying groups.
