The race to next year’s FIFA World Cup finals in North America will go right down to the wire after Nigeria defeated Lesotho 2-1 in Polokwane on Friday, while South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in Durban, and Benin Republic edged Rwanda 1-0 in Kigali.
Despite the results, all three teams retained their positions in Group C, but the final qualification spot remains open heading into the last round of matches.
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Nigeria, currently third on 14 points, will host table-toppers Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday, while South Africa face a tough test against Rwanda’s Amavubi.
Nigeria began Friday’s encounter with urgency and attacking intent. In the 12th minute, Tolu Arokodare saw his header go narrowly over the bar, while the Lesotho goalkeeper denied him again in the 33rd minute from an Ademola Lookman cross.
Three minutes later, Victor Osimhen’s header was saved, and just before halftime, Arokodare’s effort from a pullout missed the target.
Nine minutes into the second half, a Lesotho defender handled the ball in the box as Simon Moses unleashed a shot, prompting referee Mahamat Allaoui to award a penalty. Captain William Troost-Ekong stepped up and converted confidently to hand Nigeria the lead.
The Super Eagles continued to press for more goals, coming close through Alex Iwobi’s efforts in the 57th and 59th minutes and an Osimhen chip that hit the post in the 62nd minute. In the 79th minute, Osimhen’s deflected strike also struck the upright, but he finally turned provider ten minutes later, finding debutant Jerome Akor Adams, who beat his marker before firing into the net for Nigeria’s second goal.
Lesotho’s Kalake pulled one back in the 83rd minute from a corner kick, but Nigeria held firm to secure a crucial victory that keeps their qualification hopes alive.
The result leaves Nigeria on 14 points, just behind Benin Republic and South Africa, with everything to play for on Tuesday. A win against Benin Republic in Uyo could seal Nigeria’s qualification, depending on the outcome of the South Africa–Rwanda clash in Durban.
If South Africa win, the group could be decided by goal difference or head-to-head records. However, a draw or loss for South Africa would give Nigeria a clear path to qualification with victory over Benin.
The final round promises high drama as Nigeria, South Africa, and Benin Republic battle for the top spot and a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
