Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been revived after FIFA confirmed a points deduction for South Africa earlier this week.
Bafana Bafana were sanctioned for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March. Mokoena had been suspended after collecting two yellow cards earlier in the qualifying campaign.
The ruling saw South Africa drop from top of Group C to second place, level on 14 points with leaders Benin Republic but trailing on goal difference. Nigeria now sit just three points behind both nations with two fixtures left to play.
Benin will face Rwanda and Nigeria in their remaining qualifiers, while South Africa meet Zimbabwe and Rwanda. The Super Eagles, who have drawn five of their eight games so far, are scheduled to face Lesotho before a decisive clash with Benin.
Renowned sports broadcaster Wale Agbede told newsmen the ruling offers a crucial opportunity for Nigeria.
“Yes, it does change a lot. It puts Nigeria three points behind Benin Republic and South Africa,” he said. “Depending on how results go in the last two games, there is a chance that Nigeria could qualify — if not as the number one team, then potentially as one of the best losers.”
Agbede stressed that six points from their last two games is non-negotiable: “Defeating Benin is important because Nigeria are three points behind and a win will close the gap. It is absolutely crucial that Nigeria gets all six points to put us in the best possible position.”
However, he warned that Benin remain favourites to secure the group’s sole automatic spot, leaving Nigeria’s chances of qualification uncertain. Failure to reach the expanded 48-team World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico would extend Nigeria’s absence from the tournament after missing Qatar 2022.
“There will be calls for sackings, maybe the manager or some players, but the deeper questions about preparation and management rarely get answered,” Agbede added. “It would be extremely unfortunate if Nigeria fail to qualify for one of the biggest World Cups in history, especially in a country where we enjoyed so much success back in 1994.”
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