Matchday nine of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers brought crucial developments in Group C, as reported by Soccernet.ng.
Contenders such as Nigeria’s Super Eagles, the Benin Republic, and South Africa are locked in a fierce battle to enhance their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
The reigning 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions secured a vital 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane, with goals from William Troost-Ekong and Akor Adams keeping their World Cup ambitions alive.
Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria: Adams equals Martins’ record as Super Eagles cling to slim World Cup hopes #LESNGA pic.twitter.com/VhNaRx2k1p
– Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) October 10, 2025
Elsewhere, Benin Republic edged past Rwanda with a narrow 1-0 win, while South Africa was held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe.
FIFA WCQ Group C Standings After Matchday 9
Benin Republic Extends Their Advantage
Guided by coach Gernot Rohr, Benin Republic remains atop Group C with 17 points, demonstrating remarkable consistency throughout the qualification campaign.
Onyemaechi Bruno, Abdoul Rachid Moumini and D almeida Sessi Octave Emile during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifier match between Nigeria and Benin Republic at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on September 7, 2024 in Uyo, Nigeria” width=”2560″ height=”1706″ />The Cheetahs are on the verge of a historic milestone, needing just one more win against Nigeria in their final encounter to clinch a World Cup berth, depending on other results.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles Maintain Their World Cup Aspirations
Occupying third place with 14 points, Nigeria remains within reach of the summit, trailing Benin Republic by three points. Despite a somewhat erratic qualifying run, coach Eric Chelle‘s team still has a viable path to the World Cup, provided they win their final match and other results go their way.
South Africa Remain Contenders Despite Setbacks
Following a three-point penalty for fielding the ineligible Teboho Mokoena in their fixture against Lesotho, coupled with a goalless draw against Zimbabwe, South Africa dropped to second place.
Still, with 15 points on the board, Bafana Bafana remain firmly in the race. A win in their final game could see them leapfrog Benin Republic, contingent on other results.
Hugo Broos Coach celebrate victory during the Afcon 2023 Third Place match between South Africa and Congo Dr at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on February 10, 2024 in Abidjan, Cote d Ivore” width=”2560″ height=”1707″ />Group C’s Climactic Final Matches: Stakes and Scenarios
The last round of fixtures in Group C is set to be a thrilling conclusion. Nigeria will host Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, while South Africa welcomes Rwanda for their decisive encounter.
With only a three-point margin separating the top three teams, the group remains intensely competitive, living up to its reputation as one of Africa’s most hotly contested World Cup qualifying pools.