2026 FIFA World Cup: What Nigeria Needs To Qualify Automatically

2026 FIFA World Cup: What Nigeria Needs To Qualify Automatically

By Niyi Busari 

The race for Africa’s Group C ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains wide open heading into the final round of matches on Tuesday, following a dramatic evening of results on Friday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Super Eagles revived their qualification hopes with a 2–1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane, while group leaders Benin Republic edged Rwanda 1–0 in Kigali. Meanwhile, South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in Durban—setting the stage for a decisive final matchday.

Group C Standings After Friday's Matches:

1st – Benin Republic: 17 points

2nd – South Africa: 15 points

3rd – Nigeria: 14 points

Despite the tight standings, Nigeria still has a realistic path to securing the group’s sole automatic qualification spot for the 2026 World Cup in North America, if results go their way on Tuesday.

Nigeria’s Qualification Scenario

The Super Eagles must defeat Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday to stand any chance of topping the group. However, that alone will not be enough if South Africa also beats Rwanda in their final fixture.

For Nigeria to qualify automatically:

Nigeria must beat Benin Republic, and South Africa must fail to win against Rwanda (either a draw or loss).

Should both conditions be met, Nigeria will leapfrog both Benin Republic and South Africa to finish top of Group C, earning direct qualification to the FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

How Nigeria Beat Lesotho

In their penultimate qualifier, Nigeria overcame Lesotho 2–1 with goals from captain William Troost-Ekong and debutant Jerome Akor Adams.

The Super Eagles dominated much of the contest, creating several first-half chances. Tolu Arokodare saw a header go just over in the 12th minute, while Victor Osimhen was twice denied before the break.

In the 54th minute, Nigeria was awarded a penalty after a Lesotho defender handled a shot from Moses Simon. Troost-Ekong stepped up and calmly slotted home.

Osimhen continued to torment Lesotho’s defence, hitting the woodwork twice before eventually setting up Adams in the 80th minute. The Sevilla striker turned his marker and fired home to double Nigeria’s lead.

Lesotho pulled one back through Kalake from a corner kick in the 83rd minute, but the Super Eagles held firm to secure all three points.

Looking Ahead

Tuesday’s clash in Uyo against Benin Republic is a must-win for Nigeria, but their fate will also hinge on the outcome of South Africa vs Rwanda. It’s a high-stakes finale that will determine whether Nigeria can return to the world’s biggest football stage in 2026.