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Nigeria: Super Eagles receive major World Cup qualification boost as South Africa hit with new blow

5 hours ago
by Obi Donald
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Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup received a major boost on Tuesday after South Africa suffered another setback in what has been a turbulent qualifying campaign, Soccernet.ng reports.

Already reeling from a FIFA sanction that docked them three points for fielding an ineligible player, the Bafana Bafana have now confirmed that star striker Lyle Foster will miss their decisive final qualifier against Rwanda through injury.

The South African Football Association announced on X:

“Lyle Foster has been withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana matchday squad due to an injury. After consultation with the medical team, a decision was taken to withdraw him. Ashley Cupido has been called up as his replacement.”

Foster, who has scored twice and provided one assist during the qualifiers, has been a vital presence for Hugo Broos’ side. His absence comes at a critical moment, with South Africa needing a win to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

The 25-year-old Burnley forward has also been in solid form in the Premier League this season, registering a goal and an assist in seven appearances. His replacement, Ashley Cupido, plays for Stellenbosch in South Africa’s Premier Division.

South Africa’s turbulent run opens the door for Nigeria

It has been a chaotic few weeks for South Africa.

Their three-point and three-goal penalty for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena in a match against Lesotho proved costly.

That setback was followed by a frustrating goalless draw with Zimbabwe last Friday, which knocked them off the top of Group C.

Now, with their top striker ruled out and confidence waning, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have every reason to believe the door to automatic qualification is opening slightly wider.

There is, of course, no sense in celebrating a rival’s misfortune. But as the Nigerians prepare for their own decisive encounter against Benin Republic in Uyo (kick-off 5pm), they will know fortune has, at least for the moment, tilted in their favour.

Group C: Three nations, one ticket, all to play for

The qualification race in Group C remains a thrilling three-horse contest.

Benin lead the standings with 17 points, followed by South Africa (15) and Nigeria (14). All three teams play their final fixtures simultaneously on Tuesday evening: Nigeria hosting Benin in Uyo, and South Africa welcoming Rwanda to Mbombela.

For Nigeria, the equation is clear: a win over Benin is non-negotiable. But to leapfrog their West African neighbours, they must also hope South Africa drop points against Rwanda.

Even with victory, goal difference could prove decisive. Nigeria currently sit on +3, while Benin have +5. This means a two-goal victory, such as 2–0, 3–1 or 4–2, is likely required for the Super Eagles to climb into top spot, should South Africa fail to win.

A 1–0 scoreline, intriguingly, would leave both Nigeria and Benin with identical records on points, goals scored, goals conceded, and goal difference. This could potentially force FIFA to apply head-to-head criteria or even fair play points to decide who advances.

A defeat would end Nigeria’s hopes outright.

Direct ticket or play-off lifeline?

Only the nine group winners from the CAF qualifying series will automatically advance to next summer’s World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

However, the four best runners-up will progress to an additional CAF play-off round, with one team earning the chance to represent Africa in the inter-confederation play-offs next March.

In essence, a strong finish, even in second place, could still keep Nigeria’s dream alive. But as the drama unfolds across Africa tonight, Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles know that a commanding win, coupled with a favour from Rwanda, might just secure their direct ticket.

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