2026 Group C Analysis: Rwanda Victory Over Benin Is A Must For Nigeria To Have A Chance

2026 Group C Analysis: Rwanda Victory Over Benin Is A Must For Nigeria To Have A Chance

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers resume this weekend across Africa, all eyes will be on Group C arguably the most competitive group in the African zone featuring Nigeria’s Super Eagles, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, Lesotho’s Crocodiles, Rwanda’s Amavubi, and Benin Republic’s Cheetahs.

With only two rounds of matches left to play, the race for the top spot remains wide open. Benin currently leads the table with 14 points, edging South Africa on goal difference, while Nigeria and Rwanda are tied on 11 points each.

On Matchday 9, the fixtures are crucial and could decide who heads to the 2026 World Cup:

South Africa will travel to face Zimbabwe

Nigeria will play Lesotho away

Rwanda will host Benin in Kigali

Among these encounters, the Rwanda vs Benin clash stands out as the most significant from a Nigerian perspective. The Super Eagles’ qualification hopes may hinge on the outcome of that game.

If Rwanda can secure victory over Benin, it would not only keep their own qualification hopes alive but also blow the group wide open going into the final matchday. A Rwandan win would put Benin under immense pressure and potentially set up a dramatic final-day showdown involving all top contenders.

For Nigeria, the equation is simple but tough: they must win their remaining two matches away to Lesotho and at home against Benin while hoping that Rwanda, Benin, and South Africa take points off one another.

As things stand, every goal and every point will matter. With only a few days left before kickoff, Group C is poised for a thrilling and unpredictable finale.

Stay tuned — the drama in Group C has only just begun.

Sampson Adedeji