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As the Super Eagles of Nigeria fight to stay in the race for World Cup qualifying, other countries have started booking their place at the 2026 tournament
While Nigeria’s Super Eagles continue to struggle in their World Cup qualification campaign, Japan has already secured its spot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 2-0 victory over Bahrain.
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The Blue Samurai became the first team globally to qualify, thanks to second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo.
Second-half goals seal Japan’s World Cup spot
For Japan, qualification was never in doubt. The Asian powerhouse has been a mainstay in World Cups since 1998, and their dominance in Group C of the AFC qualifiers ensured another smooth passage.
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After an underwhelming first half, coach Hajime Moriyasu made the right tactical tweak by introducing Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada in the 63rd minute.
Within three minutes of his introduction, Kamada had already put Japan ahead, capping off an impressive build-up play involving Hiroki Ito, Ayase Ueda, and Takefusa Kubo.
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Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo had been Japan’s biggest attacking threat throughout the match, and his clinical finish near the end sealed a comfortable win.
With this result, Japan confirmed a top-two finish in their group, ensuring an eighth consecutive World Cup appearance.
Super Eagles hoping to take inspiration from Japan
Meanwhile, Nigeria's qualification hopes hang by a thread. The Super Eagles sit in fifth place in their CAF World Cup qualifying group after four matches, with just three points to their name.
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The top three teams; Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin; are already four points ahead, while Zimbabwe remains the only team below Nigeria.
If the Super Eagles are to make it to the 2026 tournament, they must secure maximum points in their upcoming clashes against Rwanda on March 21st and Zimbabwe on March 25th.
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For a team as talented as Nigeria, their current predicament is nothing short of shocking, but Japan’s qualification serves as a blueprint for how elite teams handle their business, and Nigeria must take inspiration.
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