Peterside Blames Draws Against Lesotho, Zimbabwe for Super Eagles’ Failed Automatic Ticket Bid

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Idah Peterside, has provided a sharp analysis of Nigeria’s failure to secure an automatic ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, pointing specifically to two early qualifying fixtures that he believes cost the nation the top spot in Group C.

Dependable NG reports that the Super Eagles finished in second position behind eventual group winners South Africa, a result that means Eric Chelle’s side must now navigate the challenging playoffs against Gabon in November to secure a place in the global tournament.

Speaking on the performance, Peterside expressed regret over the team’s inconsistency, particularly contrasting their final run with earlier results. “Imagine if Nigeria had taken this form against Benin earlier in the qualifiers,” he remarked, referring to their sound victory over Benin.

The former goalkeeper then named the two specific matches that proved to be the undoing of Nigeria’s automatic qualification hopes. “Two games cost Nigeria automatic qualification, Zimbabwe and Lesotho,” Peterside stated. He lamented the fact that the Super Eagles were held to draws by both nations, adding, “We played draw, you can’t draw with Lesotho and Zimbabwe in Uyo, Nigeria.” The costly dropped points early in the campaign created a gap that the team was ultimately unable to close, forcing them into the nerve-wracking playoff round.