The battle for qualification from Group C of the FIFA World Cup African qualifiers will go right down to the final day after another tense round of fixtures on Friday left three teams still in contention.

With one match remaining, Benin Republic sit narrowly atop the standings with 17 points, two ahead of South Africa (15 points) and three clear of Nigeria (14 points).

The final round on Tuesday will now determine who claims the sole automatic ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

In Durban, Zimbabwe held South Africa to a goalless draw — a setback for Bafana Bafana, who had hoped to seal early qualification.

They will now need a win in their final fixture against Rwanda to stand any chance of advancing.

At Polokwane, Nigeria kept their hopes alive with a hard-fought 2–1 win over Lesotho. Captain William Troost-Ekong converted a penalty before Akor Adams added a second, giving the Super Eagles a vital three points to stay in the hunt.

Meanwhile, Benin Republic maintained their momentum with a disciplined 1–0 victory over Rwanda, courtesy of a late strike from Tosin Aiyegun.

The result marked another composed display from Gernot Rohr’s side, who now find themselves one match away from a historic World Cup qualification.

PUNCH Online reports that Nigeria last featured at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where the Super Eagles bowed out in the group stage after a narrow 2–1 defeat to Argentina.

However, the team failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar, losing the playoff ticket to Ghana on away goals after a tense two-legged tie.

As the race for the 2026 World Cup intensifies, missing out again would mark a major setback for Nigerian football — extending the country’s absence from the global stage to 12 years, with the next possible appearance not until 2030.

Decisive Showdown in Uyo

Nigeria now face a must-win clash against Benin Republic on Tuesday, October 14, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

Victory is non-negotiable if the Super Eagles are to keep their qualification hopes alive — though their fate may also depend on results elsewhere.

How Nigeria Can Qualify

Win against Benin Republic: Nigeria must take all three points in Uyo to remain in contention.

Hope for a South Africa slip-up: The Super Eagles also need South Africa to drop points against Rwanda.

A draw in that match, combined with a Nigerian win by two or more goals, could see the Eagles finish top on goal difference.

Opponents’ Watch

South Africa vs. Rwanda: To be played at the Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, this fixture will be watched closely by Nigerian fans.

Lesotho vs. Zimbabwe: Both teams are already out of contention and will play for pride.

With everything on the line, Tuesday’s match in Uyo promises to be a defining moment for Nigerian football — a night that could either reignite the Super Eagles’ World Cup dream or mark another painful near-miss.

Chelle Unfazed by Lookman Suspension

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has downplayed concerns over the absence of Ademola Lookman, who will miss the decisive encounter against Benin after picking up a second yellow card of the qualifiers in the win over Lesotho.

Chelle substituted the Atalanta forward in the 71st minute for Samuel Chukwueze, but later confirmed that Lookman’s suspension will not derail the team’s plans.

“The suspension is unfortunate, but the team has the strength and character to win,” Chelle said after the match. (Saturday PUNCH)