2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Decision Day in Group C as Nigeria face Benin, South Africa host Rwanda
by Geoffrey Ejiga | by Geoffrey Ejiga
Nigeria vs Benin: Final Day Deathmatch Decides Group C Victors
While Nigeria experiences one of its toughest WC qualification journeys, Benin is just one point away from qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, a feat they've never managed before. And it only seems like poetic justice that the coach leading to The Cheetahs' glory is Gernot Rohr, former Super Eagles head coach.
Don't let the drama distract you. See the best Nigeria vs Benin prediction from our SportyTrader football experts.
Following his fallout with the Nigerian National Football Association, Rohr took up the Benin job, and after a mixed start, his side is now on its way to making history after winning five of their nine qualifying games. Benin, with 17 points, is 2 points clear of South Africa and 3 points clear of their final opponent, Nigeria. All they need is a draw here to mathematically make history.
Nigeria, on the other hand, is under immense pressure to secure a convincing win here after failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup for the first time since 2006. Despite having one of the best attackers on paper, the Super Eagles have been underwhelming, winning only three of their nine games. But even with that string of performances, Benin will find it difficult to beat a desperate Nigeria side that has only tasted defeat once in this tournament.
South Africa Eyes 2026 World Cup With Win Over Rwanda
South Africa is the heavy favorite entering this game, and for very good reasons. Despite losing their only H2H against Rwanda in recent history, the momentum is on the side of the Bafana Bafana. See our best South Africa vs Rwanda prediction.
This is simply a must win game for South Africa, and with the difference in team quality, they should get the job done. South Africa recorded the second most wins and the joint highest-scorers. Bafana Bafana now face a Rwanda side that's scored the joint-lowest goals.
However, the task may not be so easy as Rwanda have also conceded the fewest goals in Group C, while still making five wins despite scoring only five goals.
