Nigeria’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has become far more precarious after South Africa and Benin Republic recorded crucial victories on Friday, tightening the race in Group C.
The Super Eagles, who have endured a shaky qualifying campaign so far, remain on just seven points and now face two high-stakes fixtures that could determine their destiny.
On Saturday, they host Rwanda at the Victor Attah International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, before a potentially decisive away clash against South Africa in Johannesburg next Tuesday.
Earlier on Friday, South Africa consolidated their strong position in the group with a convincing 3-0 victory over Lesotho, climbing to 16 points at the top of the standings. Benin Republic also secured an important result, edging past Zimbabwe 1-0 in Abidjan to reach 11 points.
Those wins leave Nigeria trailing in third place, even if they manage to secure three points against Rwanda. With the group leader South Africa building momentum, the Super Eagles now find themselves in a position where victory against Bafana Bafana next week is almost non-negotiable.
The Nigerian side has struggled to find consistency under head coach Jose Peseiro, with a mix of injuries and tactical challenges hampering their campaign.
Their seven points from five matches include dropped points against Zimbabwe and Lesotho, results that have proven costly in a group where margins are razor-thin.
The clash with Rwanda offers Nigeria an opportunity to regain confidence, but the East Africans have proven to be tricky opponents in past encounters. The Super Eagles will be under pressure not only to win but to do so convincingly, as goal difference could yet play a role in qualification scenarios.
Looking ahead, the trip to Johannesburg is already being billed as a make-or-break contest. South Africa, buoyed by their recent win and playing on home soil, will pose a formidable challenge. A defeat there could leave Nigeria’s hopes hanging by a thread, while a victory would catapult them back into contention.
Fans across Nigeria remain hopeful that the team’s attacking talents, led by Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, can deliver when it matters most. The support at Uyo is expected to be electric, with thousands of home fans eager to inspire the Eagles to victory.
Despite the growing pressure, Nigerian football officials have called for calm and unity around the team. “We know the task ahead is difficult, but this team has the quality to overcome it,” a Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official said on Friday.
As the battle for qualification intensifies, Nigeria’s path to North America 2026 now hinges on their ability to deliver in the coming days. With their rivals pulling clear, the Super Eagles must rise to the occasion or risk missing football’s biggest stage.
