Super Eagles' road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification has become more complicated after Matchday 8 results in Group C saw South Africa held to a 1-1 draw by Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
Meanwhile, elsewhere, the Republic of Benin defeated Lesotho with a score of 4 goals to nil, and Rwanda claimed a crucial victory against Zimbabwe.
South Africa edge closer to World Cup ticket
At the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa maintained their lead at the top of the group despite being held by Nigeria.
An unfortunate William Troost-Ekong own goal put Bafana Bafana ahead in the 25th minute, before Calvin Bassey equalised with a header just before halftime.
C. Bassss
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The draw keeps Hugo Broos’ men on 17 points, which stretches their advantage at the summit and leaves them in prime position to clinch the automatic qualification ticket.
Benin and Rwanda turn up the pressure
Elsewhere, Benin produced a statement performance with a dominant 4-0 win over Lesotho in Abidjan. Steve Mounié, Cédric Hountondji, Imourane, and Olaitan all found the net as the Cheetahs moved up to 14 points.
Rwanda also picked up maximum points with a narrow 1-0 win against Zimbabwe in Harare, courtesy of a Mugisha strike in the 40th minute. The Amavubi are now level on points with Nigeria, which sets up a close battle for second place.
Nigeria’s precarious position
The Super Eagles’ draw in Bloemfontein leaves them on 11 points, level with Rwanda but ahead only on goal difference.
While the result avoided a damaging defeat, it failed to close the six-point gap on leaders South Africa, meaning that Nigeria’s hopes of topping the group now rely on perfection in their final fixtures and their rivals slipping up.
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Nigeria draw Bafana Bafana: What it means going forward
South Africa, sitting on 17 points, are firmly in control of the group and need just one more win to seal their World Cup ticket.
Nigeria, with 11 points, remain in third place by the slimmest of margins but cannot afford any further slip-ups if they are to keep up with Benin who are in the second position with 14 points.
Rwanda, likewise on 11 points, have emerged as a surprise contender and could upset the odds if they maintain their consistency.
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Nigeria, by all mean, have to win the final two matches against Lesotho and Benin and hope South Africa falter. Anything less will leave the Super Eagles depending on finishing among the best runners-up for a play-off spot, which is still unlikely.
The upcoming clash with Benin, in particular, now looms as a do-or-die battle that could define whether Nigeria will book a ticket to the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026—or watch from home.
