By ICN-GHANA Sports Desk
Abuja, October 15, 2025 — Nigeria’s Super Eagles have kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive after securing a place in the CAF play-offs with a resounding 4–0 win over Benin on Tuesday.
A hat-trick from star striker Victor Osimhen and a goal from Frank Onyeka ensured Nigeria leapfrogged Benin to finish second in Group C — earning one of the four coveted play-off spots for the best second-placed teams across the African qualifiers.
Meanwhile, South Africa sealed top spot in the group after a 3–0 victory over Rwanda in Johannesburg, marking their first appearance at the World Cup since hosting the tournament in 2010.
Drama and Determination in Group C
Heading into the final matchday, Group C was wide open. Benin led the table with South Africa two points behind and Nigeria a further point adrift. Nigeria needed nothing less than victory over Benin — and for South Africa to drop points — to stand a chance of qualifying directly.
Osimhen struck early in the third minute to briefly put Nigeria top, but Thalente Mbatha’s quick reply for South Africa restored their lead in the standings. Further goals from Oswin Apollis and Evidence Makgopa sealed South Africa’s win and automatic qualification.
Despite missing Ademola Lookman, the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, through suspension, Nigeria dominated in Cotonou, leaving Benin devastated as their hopes of a maiden World Cup appearance slipped away.
South Africa Overcome Setbacks
South Africa’s qualification journey was far from smooth. Last month, FIFA deducted three points and annulled their 2–0 win over Lesotho after Teboho Mokoena was found to have played while suspended. The ruling temporarily dropped Bafana Bafana behind Benin in the standings.
But their response on the final day was emphatic. The victory over Rwanda pushed them to 18 points, sealing their place among Africa’s representatives at the 2026 World Cup alongside Egypt, Cape Verde, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana.
Nigeria’s Road Ahead
Nigeria’s path to qualification has been anything but steady. The team’s early struggles under former coach Jose Peseiro, followed by a series of managerial changes — from Finidi George to Augustine Eguavoen, and now Eric Chelle — hampered their campaign.
Under Chelle, however, Nigeria remain unbeaten, though draws against South Africa and Zimbabwe cost them automatic qualification.
The Super Eagles will now contest a CAF mini play-off tournament, featuring two semi-finals and a final. The winner will advance to FIFA’s inter-confederation play-offs for a final chance to reach the 2026 World Cup.
Failure to qualify would mark Nigeria’s second consecutive absence from the global showpiece after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.
History Beckons
Nigeria has appeared in six previous World Cups, reaching the Round of 16 on three occasions. Their last appearance came in 2018.
South Africa, on the other hand, will make their fourth World Cup appearance and first in 16 years. Despite never advancing beyond the group stage, their return marks a major milestone for a team once punished for administrative lapses but now revitalized under coach Hugo Broos.
