With just one game left, Benin Republic leads the rankings by a slim margin with 17 points, two more than South Africa (15 points) and three more than Nigeria (14 points). Who gets the one automatic ticket to the 2026 World Cup will now be decided by Tuesday’s final round. Zimbabwe held South Africa to a goalless draw in Durban, which was a blow to Bafana Bafana, who had hoped to guarantee early qualification.
In order to advance, they will now need to defeat Rwanda in their last match.
Nigeria’s resilient 2-1 victory over Lesotho at Polokwane preserved their aspirations. The Super Eagles needed three points to stay in the race, and captain William Troost-Ekong scored a penalty and Akor Adams added a second.
A late goal from Tosin Aiyegun helped the Benin Republic retain their momentum as they defeated Rwanda 1-0 in a well-organized match.
Gernot Rohr’s team, who are currently one game away from a historic World Cup qualifying, put up another calm performance with the outcome.
Nigeria’s latest appearance was at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where the Super Eagles lost to Argentina by a slim margin of 2-1 and were eliminated in the group stage.
But after a difficult two-leg match, the squad lost the playoff ticket to Ghana on away goals, meaning they were unable to go to the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Missing out again would be a huge blow to Nigerian football as the competition for the 2026 World Cup heats up. It would be the nation’s 12th time out of the international arena, with the next potential participation not occurring until 2030.
A Final Battle in Uyo
On Tuesday, October 14, Nigeria will play the Benin Republic in a match that must be won at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Although their fate may also depend on outcomes elsewhere, the Super Eagles cannot afford to lose if they are to maintain their hopes of qualifying.
How Nigeria Can Qualify and Win Against the Benin Republic: In order to stay in the running, Nigeria needs to win all three points in Uyo.
Expect South Africa to make a mistake: The Super Eagles also need South Africa to lose to Rwanda.
The Eagles might win the game on goal differential if they tie that game and Nigeria wins by two goals or more.
The Watch of Opponents
Rwanda versus South Africa: Nigerian supporters will be closely following this match, which will be contested at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
Zimbabwe vs. Lesotho: Playing for pride, both teams are already out from contention.
With everything on the line, Tuesday’s game in Uyo looks to be a turning point in Nigerian football history. It may either spark the Super Eagles’ hopes of winning the World Cup again or result in yet another heartbreaking near-miss.
Chelle Unaffected by Lookman Suspension Ademola Lookman will miss the pivotal match against Benin after receiving his second yellow card of the qualifiers in the victory over Lesotho, but Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has downplayed worries about his absence.
Samuel Chukwueze was replaced by the Atalanta forward in the 71st minute, but Chelle subsequently stated that Lookman’s suspension will not interfere with the team’s preparations.
After the game, Chelle remarked, “The team has the strength and character to win, but the suspension is unfortunate.”
