The Super Eagles of Nigeria are on the brink of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup following their poor start to the beginning of the Africa qualifying series.

The Super Eagles hope of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was renewed after three points was deducted from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho. The results in the penultimate final round of qualifying games also worked in favour of Nigeria in their game and results in the other two games.

Nigeria beat Lesotho 2-1, Benin Republic scored a late goal to beat Rwanda while Zimbabwe and South Africa ended goalless.

What is the current standing of group C?

Benin Republic lead the group with 17 points while South Africa stay in second place with 15 points and Nigeria occupy third place 14 points.

How many teams will qualify from Africa to the FIFA World Cup?

The African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup feature nine groups of six teams each, with only the group winners earning automatic qualification. The four best second-placed teams across all nine groups will enter a CAF playoff, and the winner(s) from that round could advance to an inter-continental playoff for a final ticket to the tournament.

What must Nigeria do to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

For Nigeria to qualify directly, they must beat Benin Republic with a huge goal margin and hope that Rwanda beat South Africa in the final round of games. However, the three time AFCON winners can also book their spot as one of the four best second-placed teams across all nine groups who will enter a CAF playoff, and the winner(s) from that round could advance to an inter-continental playoff for a final ticket to the tournament.

When is Nigeria vs Benin Republic?

The game between both West Africa neighbours will be played on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 which is the same time as the South Africa vs Rwanda game.

These are all the available permutations and combinations but the final outcome will be known when the players take on to the pitch to represent the green, white and green of Nigeria.

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