Chijioke Gabriel
South Africa and Benin boosted their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes on Friday with crucial victories that have left Nigeria’s Super Eagles facing a tougher path to the global tournament.
In Bloemfontein, South Africa swept aside Lesotho with a commanding 3-0 win. Mohau Nkota opened the scoring in the 14th minute before Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis sealed the result in the second half. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams also delivered a standout performance, pulling off key saves to frustrate Lesotho.
The result takes Bafana Bafana to 16 points from seven matches, keeping them firmly in contention at the top of the group. Coach Hugo Broos’ men have continued to impress with a fine mix of defensive solidity and clinical finishing.
Elsewhere in Abidjan, Benin edged Zimbabwe 1-0 thanks to Steve Mounié’s 77th-minute strike. The win lifts the Cheetahs to second place on 11 points, further strengthening their qualification chances.
Friday’s outcomes all but ended the hopes of Lesotho and Zimbabwe while leaving Nigeria in a precarious position. The Super Eagles, on nine points, now trail South Africa by seven and Benin by two, with their qualification campaign hanging in the balance.
Nigeria will host a crucial clash in Uyo on Saturday, knowing that a slip could prove disastrous. Their decisive showdown against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday is already shaping up as a must-win encounter.
Anything short of maximum points could see the three-time African champions risk missing a second consecutive FIFA World Cup.