The battle for Africa’s Group C ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup will go right down to the last day, after a dramatic evening that saw Nigeria beat Lesotho 2–1 in Polokwane, South Africa drop points at home to Zimbabwe, and Benin Republic inch closer to history with a narrow win over Rwanda in Kigali.
The results mean Gernot Rohr’s Benin remain top of the group with 17 points, South Africa follow with 15, and Nigeria stay in the chase on 14. With just one match left, everything will be decided on Tuesday, when Nigeria host Benin in Uyo and South Africa face Rwanda in Mbombela.
Nigeria Stay Alive
Only a win on Friday would have saved Eric Chelle and his Super Eagles team’s qualification chances. And they did what they had to do, but the hard way. From the onset, Nigeria pushed forward with intent. Tolu Arokodare had early chances, while Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen both came close as Lesotho’s defence held firm in the first half.
Nine minutes after the restart, Nigeria finally broke the deadlock. A Lesotho defender handled the ball in the box, and captain William Troost-Ekong made no mistake from the spot to give his side the lead.
Alex Iwobi tested the keeper twice, Osimhen struck the woodwork on two occasions, and debutant Jerome Akor Adams eventually doubled the lead ten minutes from time. Adams turned smartly on the edge of the box and buried his shot to calm Nigerian nerves.
Lesotho’s Kalake pulled one back from a corner kick in the 83rd minute, but Nigeria held on for a hard-earned three points that keep their qualification hopes alive.
For the Super Eagles, the task is clear: beat Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday and hope South Africa fail to win against Rwanda. Anything less, and qualification slips away.
South Africa Falter, Benin Edge Closer
In Durban, South Africa failed to turn dominance into victory against Zimbabwe. Despite controlling much of the game, Bafana Bafana couldn’t find the net. Lyle Foster’s effort was cleared off the line, and Mohau Nkota’s shot rattled the post in the first half.
The visitors were reduced to ten men in the second half after Knowledge Musona’s red card, yet the Warriors held firm. South Africa’s late chances went begging, with Teboho Mokoena’s stoppage-time strike saved by Washington Arubi. The goalless draw leaves Hugo Broos’ men two points off the top, with work to do in their final game.
In Kigali, Benin Republic continued their dream run. Tosin Aiyegun’s first-half goal was enough to hand them a 1–0 win over Rwanda, putting them within touching distance of a first-ever World Cup qualification. Under coach Gernot Rohr, the Cheetahs have grown in belief and consistency, and now stand one result away from making history.
Final-Day Scenarios
The situation is tight, and every team knows exactly what’s at stake.
- Benin (17 points): Only need a draw in Uyo to qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup.
- South Africa (15 points): Must beat Rwanda and hope Nigeria defeat Benin, but goal difference could still decide it.
- Nigeria (14 points): Must win against Benin to have any chance. They’ll also need South Africa to drop points at home.
With three teams separated by just three points, Tuesday’s double-header, the final day of Group C, promises to be one of the most dramatic finales in African qualifying history. If Nigeria and South Africa both win, the group could be decided on goal difference, adding another layer of tension to an already dramatic finale.
For Nigeria, qualification would represent redemption after a shaky campaign and missing the last FIFA World Cup in Qatar (2022). For Benin, it could be a historic moment. For South Africa, it’s another chance to end a 14-year wait since their last World Cup appearance on home soil in 2010.
