Joel Ajayi
Zimbabwe threw Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers wide open on Friday after holding South Africa to a goalless draw in Durban — a result that reignited Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the global showpiece.
Earlier in Polokwane, the Super Eagles boosted their qualification chances with a 2–1 victory over Lesotho, while Benin Republic earned a narrow 1–0 win against Rwanda in Kigali. The combination of results means the race for the group’s sole automatic ticket will now be decided on the final Matchday.
Despite all three sides retaining their pre-match positions, Nigeria — currently third with 14 points — have a clear opportunity to take charge when they host table-topping Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday. South Africa, meanwhile, must overcome Rwanda’s Amavubi to stay in contention.
In Polokwane, Nigeria started brightly, creating several first-half chances. Tolu Arokodare came close twice, with Victor Osimhen also denied by the Crocodiles’ goalkeeper. The breakthrough finally came nine minutes into the second half when a Lesotho defender handled Moses Simon’s goal-bound shot, and captain William Ekong calmly converted the resulting penalty.
The Super Eagles continued to press for more, with Alex Iwobi and Osimhen both rattling the Lesotho defense. Osimhen twice struck the upright before finally turning provider in the 80th minute, setting up debutant Jerome Akor Adams to double Nigeria’s lead with a fine finish.
Lesotho’s Kalake pulled one back from a corner in the 83rd minute, but Nigeria held firm to claim all three points and move within touching distance of qualification.
Now, all eyes turn to Tuesday’s decisive fixtures. A win for Nigeria over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Uyo — combined with South Africa’s failure to beat Rwanda — would see the Super Eagles soar to the top of Group C and book their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The win keeps Nigeria’s World Cup dreams alive, but the Super Eagles must now beat Benin Republic by at least a three-goal margin in their final group-stage fixture in Uyo to have any realistic chance of qualifying for the 2026 tournament.
As it stands, Benin Republic is leading the table with 17 points after defeating Rwanda 1-0 while South Africa played a 0-0 draw with Zimbabwe. South Africa are now on 15 points while Super Eagles are on 14 in the third position.
