By Victor Okoye
In spite of a shaky campaign, Nigeria’s World Cup hopes remain alive.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles revived hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 2-1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane, South Africa.
The result keeps Nigeria in contention in Group C, but automatic qualification remains out of its hands.
With one match left to play, the Super Eagles must now win and hope for favourable results elsewhere.
Nigeria must defeat Benin Republic in Uyo on Oct. 14, as nothing short of a win is mandatory to ensure qualification to the mundial.
A 2-0 scoreline will lift Nigeria to 17 points, matching Benin, but giving Nigeria the edge on goal difference.
If Nigeria wins 2-1, both teams will have a +4 goal difference.
Tiebreakers such as goals scored or head-to-head results may then decide the group winner.
Nigeria also needs South Africa to either draw or lose to Rwanda.
A South African victory will put them on 18 points, making it impossible for Nigeria to top the group.
If South Africa fails to win and Nigeria beats Benin, Nigeria will qualify automatically.
Unfortunately, Ademola Lookman is suspended for Nigeria’s final match due to accumulated yellow cards.
Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Adams all expected to provide firepower in the Nigeria—Benin clash in Uyo.
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, on the hand, must win against Rwanda to keep their qualification hopes alive.
However, they will be without two key players suspended after receiving red cards in their last match against Zimbabwe where they were held to a goalless draw.
This setback weakens South Africa’s lineup ahead of the crucial match in Durban.
Coach Eric Chelle and Captain William Troost-Ekong have praised the Super Eagles’ resilience after a crucial 2-1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane, South Africa on Friday.
Chelle acknowledged the pressure on the team since March.
He said the win was vital and congratulated his players for their determination.
“We won the three points today; we are still alive. Journalists can now start doing their mathematics and permutations,” Chelle said.
He said the players have felt immense pressure during camps. Despite missing chances in the first half, he was proud of their performance.
Chelle urged Nigerian fans to back the team in large numbers ahead of the final qualifier against Benin Republic in Uyo.
“This is the final round; the game starts the moment Benin steps on Nigerian soil.
“We need to do the job on the pitch,” he added.
Troost-Ekong acknowledged Lesotho’s strong challenge.
“Lesotho played a great game; it wasn’t easy; we understand the frustration because they fought hard,” Ekong said.
He stressed the team’s winning mentality and readiness for the decisive match.
“We want to win convincingly in Uyo; this is the final moment, and we will work hard to get there,” Ekong said.
Nigerian fans remain hopeful, though anxious.
There is a growing belief that with the right result in Uyo, and a draw in Durban, Nigeria could seal qualification.
Some fans have described the upcoming match as “a final.”
If Nigeria finishes second, a playoff route may still be available.
CAF will select the four best second-placed teams across the nine groups for a playoff round.
With 14 points, Nigeria may fall short unless other groups yield weaker runners-up.
The Super Eagles have made their task difficult but not impossible.
A win in Uyo, coupled with a slip by South Africa, could secure Nigeria a place at the 2026 World Cup.
The final day promises tension, drama, and high stakes.(NANFeatures)
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
