Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been handed a crucial opportunity to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a three-point deduction imposed on South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, according to Soccernet.ng.
Prior to this ruling, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana led Group C with 17 points after drawing 1-1 with Nigeria in Bloemfontein earlier this month.
However, FIFA has penalized South Africa by deducting three points after discovering that the team fielded Teboho Mokoena, who was suspended, during their World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on March 21, 2025. This breach of FIFA’s disciplinary regulations has shifted the dynamics of Group C.
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Revised Standings in Group C
The Republic of Benin emerges as a significant beneficiary from South Africa’s point deduction. Not only did Bafana Bafana lose three points, but the match against Lesotho was also forfeited, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 win. Consequently, this adjustment has propelled Gernot Rohr’s Nigerian squad to the summit of Group C.
For Nigeria, this development narrows the gap from six points to just three, with two crucial matches remaining in the qualification campaign.
Eric Chelle of Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on September” width=”1024″ height=”684″ />What It Will Take for the Super Eagles to Reach the 2026 World Cup
Although the path is challenging, Nigeria’s team under Eric Chelle still has a shot at direct qualification. Finishing second in the group will not suffice, so the Super Eagles must aim for the top spot.
To clinch first place in Group C, Nigeria must:
- Secure victories in their final two qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho.
- Achieve a combined goal difference of at least +5 across these matches without conceding, to maintain an edge in case of a points tie.
- Rely on South Africa and Rwanda dropping points in their upcoming fixtures during the October international break.
While Nigeria’s chances to feature in the expanded 48-team World Cup remain alive, their fate will depend not only on their own performances but also on favorable results elsewhere in the group.