Idah Peterside Points Out Matches That Denied Super Eagles Automatic World Cup Ticket

16 Oct 2025, 15:35 by Ernest Victor · Naija News

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Idah Peterside, has blamed Nigeria’s failure to secure an automatic ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on two costly draws during the qualifiers.

Naija News reports that the Super Eagles of Nigeria ended their campaign in second place in Group C, behind South Africa, who sealed the only automatic qualification slot.

The Super Eagles must now navigate the playoffs in November, where they are set to face Gabon for a spot at the FIFA Play-offs in March 2026.

Speaking on Soccer Beat, Peterside expressed his frustration, recalling how Nigeria’s inconsistency early in the qualifiers proved decisive.

“Benin were topping the group and we beat them soundly,” he said. “Imagine if Nigeria had taken this form against Benin earlier in the qualifiers.”

He didn’t hold back when identifying the specific matches that derailed the team’s progress.

“Two games cost Nigeria automatic qualification, Zimbabwe and Lesotho. We played draw, you can’t draw with Lesotho and Zimbabwe in Uyo, Nigeria,” Peterside lamented.

The former goalkeeper’s comments reflect the disappointment shared by many fans who believe the team underestimated their opponents. The draws against Zimbabwe and Lesotho, both played on home soil, left Nigeria playing catch-up for the rest of the campaign.