How Nigeria Can Overtake South Africa in Group C As Race for FIFA World Cup Ticket Heats Up
- Nigeria can climb above Rwanda and close the gap on South Africa with back-to-back wins in the World Cup qualifiers
- Lesotho and Benin results will play a key role in determining the Super Eagles’ chances after this weekend’s games
- Nigeria’s World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after managing only one win in six games played so far
Nigeria’s World Cup dream is hanging by a thread, but the chance to turn things around is still alive if Eric Chelle’s side can take advantage of these weekend games.
The three-time African champion’s inconsistency has left them chasing the pack, but upcoming games against Rwanda and South Africa provide Nigeria a chance to fight their way back into contention.
Source: Twitter
As seen on FIFA.com, the Super Eagles currently sit fourth in Group C, six points behind leaders South Africa as the West African giants have struggled throughout the qualifiers, winning just once in six games.
Nigeria’s home form has been particularly poor, dropping vital points at the Godwill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo against Benin, Lesotho, and South Africa.
Despite that, there is still hope for the Super Eagles, and results in this FIFA window could reshape the standings in Group C.
How can Nigeria dethrone South Africa?
Nigeria face Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday, a fixture that offers a direct opportunity for Chelle’s team to climb the table, and captain William Troost-Ekong says the team is focused on getting a win in that game, per Arise News.
Source: Twitter
Amavubi are only a point ahead of the Super Eagles, and a win would see Nigeria leapfrog them into third place.
That result would also set the tone for a crucial trip to Bloemfontein, where Nigeria will face Hugo Broos’ South Africa.
For Nigeria to overtake Bafana Bafana, the equation is straightforward but demanding. Lesotho need to do them a favour by beating the Bafana Bafana before Tuesday’s clash.
If that happens, and Nigeria beats Rwanda, the match in South Africa becomes a straight shootout for control of the group.
There’s another twist as Benin must also drop points against either Lesotho or Zimbabwe for Nigeria to take the outright lead.
Still, with Benin visiting Nigeria in the final round of qualifiers, the Super Eagles would have the chance to decide matters in Uyo if they keep themselves within touching distance.
No more room for mistakes
Nigeria’s current position is a direct result of wasted opportunities as one win in six matches is nowhere near enough for a team with their pedigree.
The failure to win at home has been the biggest setback, especially with a squad packed with attacking superstars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze.
Now, every game is a must-win, and every point counts and beating Rwanda is non-negotiable.
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Defeating South Africa would change the narrative and put the Super Eagles back in control of their destiny, but slip-ups, however, will leave Nigeria relying on too many external factors.
Journalist doubts Nigeria’s World Cup chances
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that football pundit, Fisayo Dairo, said the chances of Nigeria making it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup are very slim.
Dairo explained that the Super Eagles are currently in a dilemma, and finishing second place in the CAF Qualification Group C doesn't guarantee the team a slot at the play-offs.
Source: Legit.ng
