Super Eagles Face Do-Or-Die Clash As 2026 World Cup Qualification Hangs In The Balance

NIGERIA’S Super Eagles head into Tuesday’s decisive Group C finale with their 2026 FIFA World Cup fate hanging by a thread, despite reviving their hopes with a 2–1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday.

Benin Republic currently lead the group with 17 points, followed by South Africa on 15 and Nigeria on 14. To qualify automatically for the World Cup in North America, Nigeria must beat Benin Republic in Uyo and hope South Africa fail to defeat Rwanda in their final fixture.

Victory alone won’t suffice if the Bafana Bafana win; both results must go Nigeria’s way for the Super Eagles to top the group and secure Africa’s sole automatic slot.

Against Lesotho, captain William Troost-Ekong opened scoring from the penalty spot in the 54th minute after a handball, while debutant Jerome Akor Adams sealed the win with a composed strike in the 80th. Lesotho grabbed a late consolation, but Nigeria held on.

Now, all eyes turn to Uyo and Durban, where two matches will determine whether the Super Eagles soar to the 2026 World Cup—or miss out again.