By KUNLE SOLAJA.
Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has grown increasingly complicated after the latest round of Group C qualifiers produced results that tilted the balance firmly against the Super Eagles.
South Africa, already leading the group, reinforced their dominance with a routine 3-0 win over Lesotho in Bloemfontein.
Though officially a Lesotho “home game,” the tie was staged in South Africa — and Bafana Bafana took full advantage.
That victory lifted them to 16 points, creating a commanding gap at the top of the table.
In Abidjan, Benin Republic kept their campaign alive with a narrow 1-0 triumph over Zimbabwe, moving to 11 points and leapfrogging Nigeria in the standings.
The result means that even if the Super Eagles defeat Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday, they will only climb to 10 points — still trailing Benin and a daunting six points adrift of South Africa.
The real crunch lies ahead: Nigeria must then travel to Blomfontein for a decisive away clash against the group leaders.
Anything short of victory would effectively hand South Africa an unassailable advantage, especially with the rest of their fixtures scheduled at home.
For a Nigerian side already under scrutiny after a string of unconvincing performances, the permutations underline just how perilous their situation has become. Saturday’s meeting with Rwanda is no longer just about three points — it is about keeping their fading World Cup hopes alive.
