2026 WCQ: Nigeria Drops On The Table As Rwanda, Benin Republic Secure Crucial Wins

2026 WCQ: Nigeria Drops On The Table As Rwanda, Benin Republic Secure Crucial Wins

By Niyi Busari 

 Super Eagles have dropped to third place in Group C of the FIFA World Cup African qualifiers after victories by Rwanda and Benin Republic on Tuesday night reshaped the group standings, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Super Eagles had temporarily climbed to second following a 1-1 draw against South Africa at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein earlier in the day. The result placed the three-time African champions ahead of both Rwanda and Benin Republic on goal difference, pending their later fixtures.

However, Rwanda bounced back from their weekend defeat to Nigeria with a narrow 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe. Mugisha netted the decisive goal in the 39th minute, bringing Rwanda level with Nigeria on 11 points after eight matches.

Meanwhile, Benin Republic delivered a dominant performance, thrashing Lesotho 4-0. Steve Mounié and Cédric Hountondji scored in the 6th and 23rd minutes, respectively. Imourane doubled the lead in the 33rd minute before Junior Olaitan sealed the win in the 67th minute.

The results leave South Africa at the top of Group C with 17 points, followed by Benin Republic on 14. Nigeria and Rwanda are tied with 11 points each, but the Super Eagles remain in third place due to their superior goal difference (+2).

With just two matches left in the qualifying campaign, the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains wide open possibly between South Africa and Benin Republic.