Super Eagles of Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup became more complicated on Friday after South Africa cruised past Lesotho, while Benin edged Zimbabwe, Soccernet.ng reports.
South Africa extended their lead at the top of the group with a 3-0 win over Lesotho at the Free State, South Africa, while Benin secured all three points when they played host to Zimbabwe.
Both results have had a ripple effect on Group C standings, which has left the Super Eagles with no margin for error in their remaining games.
South Africa take control
Bafana Bafana firmed their dominance at the top of the group with goals from Mohau Nkota, Lyle Foster, and Oswin Appollis securing a routine win over Lesotho.
The result stretched their points tally to 16, creating a five-point cushion over nearest rivals Benin.
With only a handful of matches left, South Africa are now in pole position to secure the automatic ticket to North America.
Benin pile pressure on Nigeria
Benin’s narrow victory over Zimbabwe, courtesy of a Steve Mounié header, has pushed the Cheetahs into second place with 11 points.
This outcome is particularly damaging for Nigeria, who sit on seven points, now four behind Benin and nine adrift of South Africa.
For the Super Eagles, the route to qualification is no longer straightforward.
Nigeria’s precarious position
Currently fourth in the standings, behind Rwanda, Nigeria’s fate hangs in the balance. They must win their remaining fixtures, including the crucial clashes against Benin and South Africa, to stand any chance of catching up.
Anything less than maximum points will likely see the three-time African champions miss out on direct qualification.
What it means going forward
For Nigerian fans, the calculator is simple but daunting—only perfection will do. The upcoming fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa are now do-or-die battles that could define Nigeria’s World Cup hope.