
Nigeria's Super Eagles Stay in World Cup 2026 Contention
William Troost-Ekong scored a crucial penalty for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria won 2-1 against Lesotho, keeping their chances alive for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Nigeria is three points behind Group C leaders Benin, who won 1-0 against Rwanda. South Africa is also in contention, but their goalless draw with Zimbabwe puts them two points behind Benin and one ahead of Nigeria.
Only the group winners will secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Nigeria will face Benin in the final game and can surpass them with a two-goal victory. South Africa could also finish on top by winning against Rwanda.
In African qualifying, the top four second-placed teams will have a chance to reach the World Cup through playoffs. Benin, South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Lesotho are still in contention for automatic qualification.
Fifa penalized South Africa with a 3-0 forfeit for fielding an ineligible player, causing them to fall behind Benin. Nigeria's victory against Lesotho, with goals from Troost-Ekong and Akor Adams, keeps them in the running for World Cup qualification.
Nigeria must beat Benin and hope for a favorable result in the South Africa-Rwanda match to secure a World Cup spot. The game between Nigeria and Benin will be significant as Benin's coach is former Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr.
South Africa missed an opportunity to take the lead in the group after a goalless draw with Zimbabwe. Despite several close chances, including a shot cleared off the line by Lyle Foster, South Africa couldn't secure a win.
Benin's victory over Rwanda puts them in a favorable position in Group C. They scored the only goal of the match through Aiyegun Tosin, securing a crucial win in their quest for World Cup qualification.