The Super Eagles stumbled at the start of the qualifiers, drawing with Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa before suffering defeat to the Benin Republic.
However, they appear back on track after their recent win over Rwanda, climbing to third in Group C, six points behind the leaders with three matches remaining.
As Eric Chelle’s men face Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana this evening in Bloemfontein, the veteran Turkish tactician, who previously worked with Fenerbahce and Eintracht Frankfurt and is tipped to replace Fernando Santos in Azerbaijan, believes the three-time African champions have what it takes to get the job done.
"There is a chance, but it’s a very slim one. After seven matches, South Africa are on 16 points, Benin have 11, Nigeria sit on 10, and Rwanda are on eight points," Firat told Flashscore.com in a no-holds-barred chat.
"Only the group winners qualify directly, and then four of the best runners-up across the continent go to the play-offs. That means Nigeria have to win every single remaining game.
"On top of that, they may need help from outside as FIFA is still reviewing a case that could take three points off South Africa for using an ineligible player. If that happens, the table changes.
"In short: it’s difficult, but the door isn’t closed yet."
What Eagles must do to silence Bafana Bafana
With South Africa risking a three-point forfeiture for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho, the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations champions know that anything less than victory could deal a major blow to their World Cup hopes.
On the other hand, if Nigeria fail to win at the Free State Stadium, their hopes of qualifying as group winners could be all but over.
Still, Firat has offered suggestions on how to contain South Africa, while lamenting the absence of talisman Victor Osimhen through injury.
"South Africa are strong when they control the midfield, so the first task is to break their rhythm," he continued.
"A high press, done aggressively and collectively, can make their creators uncomfortable. At the back, they are not unbeatable. There are gaps to exploit, especially on the wings.
"Without Osimhen leading the line, Nigeria need more fluidity up front, players rotating positions and creating movement instead of depending on one striker. I would start with a compact structure and then open up once the game is stabilised.
"One thing is certain: Super Eagles cannot sit back and react; they must take control early. Nigeria have beaten South Africa in the past with discipline and quick counters and can do it again."
If Nigeria fail to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Firat - hailed as Kenya’s greatest national team coach based on win ratios - cautions about the losses and long-term impact on Nigerian football.
He added: "The consequences would be very serious. Financially, the federation would lose important FIFA funds, sponsorship deals would shrink, and even shirt sales would drop.
"For the players, it would mean missing out on the world’s biggest stage, which hurts their careers and transfer values. Beyond money, our reputation would suffer.
"Nigeria is supposed to be one of Africa’s giants and if they miss two World Cups in a row, people will start to question that status. The long-term impact worries me even more: young players could lose motivation, and much-needed reforms in the federation might be delayed.
"Let’s not forget, the Super Eagles are a source of pride and unity in this country. If we are absent again, that pride takes a huge hit."
Nigeria's fix: How to stop the disappointment
Firat stated: "If Nigeria fail again, it won’t just be about bad luck; it will mean our structure is broken. Nigeria have the players; that has never been the problem.
"The problem is what surrounds them. They need modern scouting, a clear tactical plan, and above all stability in the federation. Too often, we think passion and raw talent are enough. They aren’t.
"To qualify consistently, we need a long-term vision for football in Nigeria, one that lasts beyond a single tournament or a single coach. That’s the only way to stop underachieving and return to where we belong: competing with the best in the world."
Nigeria first qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 1994, stunning the world by reaching the Round of 16 before their run was halted by Italy.
They went on to participate in the 1998 tournament in France and the 2002 edition in South Korea and Japan but missed out on the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
More recently, they also failed to qualify for the 2022 Qatar World Cup following a playoff defeat to arch-rivals Ghana.
Follow South Africa vs Nigeria here
