The Super Eagles’ 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday may have kept their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive, but the road to the global football showpiece remains uncertain as they head into Tuesday’s final Group C fixture against surprise group leaders, the Benin Republic’s Cheetahs.
Goals from captain William Troost-Ekong and substitute Akor Adams ensured that Coach Eric Chelle’s team secured all three points, despite a schoolboy error from goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, which allowed Lesotho to net a consolation goal in the dying minutes of the match.
Despite the win, Nigeria’s chances of qualification still hang in the balance as they sit third in Group C, three points behind Benin Republic and one point adrift of South Africa.
While this victory offers a glimmer of hope following a shaky campaign, the Super Eagles now face a crucial final match that could determine their return to the World Cup after missing the last edition in Qatar.
Friday’s hard-fought win against Lesotho has restored belief among Nigerian fans, but the Super Eagles must demonstrate both clinical finishing and composure, while also hoping for a stroke of luck if they are to make their desired return to the 2026 Mundial.
To secure qualification for next year’s tournament in North America, the Eagles must defeat the Cheetahs of Benin convincingly—by at least two unanswered goals—and hope that second-placed South Africa fails to win against Rwanda in their final group match, also scheduled for Tuesday.
Managed by former Super Eagles handler Gernot Rohr, the Cheetahs currently lead Group C with 17 points from nine matches, having a superior goal difference of +5. South Africa sits in second place with 15 points and a goal difference of +3, while Nigeria occupies third position with 14 points and the same goal difference.
With only the group winners guaranteed a direct ticket to the World Cup in North America—and the four best runners-up heading to the playoffs—every goal and every point now carry immense significance.
Benin Republic require only a draw on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo to secure qualification for their maiden World Cup appearance. Conversely, a 2-0 win for Nigeria would propel them to the top of Group C with 17 points, ahead of Benin on better goal difference, provided South Africa triumphs at home against Rwanda.
Even with a strong victory, Nigeria will need assistance from elsewhere, hoping that South Africa drops points, either through defeat or a draw against Rwanda in their final fixture. A win for Bafana Bafana would likely extinguish Nigeria’s hopes of automatic qualification.
