There may be nonetheless an opportunity that the Tremendous Eagles might but qualify for the 2026 World Cup, after beating Lesotho 2-1 on Friday night.
Solely two wins of their final two fixtures can preserve Nigeria within the race.
And so they picked up the primary three factors in opposition to the South African nation, regardless of an unconvincing efficiency in Pokolowane.
The Eagles failed to attain within the opening 45 minutes as their dominance counted for nothing.
However William Troost-Ekong’s penalty and a debut aim from Akor Adams gave them a wholesome lead, earlier than a defensive mixup noticed Hlompho Kalake raise the ball into an empty web.
The consequence means Nigeria are in third place with 14 factors, three behind leaders Benin Republic, who they play of their ultimate recreation on Tuesday.
South Africa are in second place with 15 factors.
Nigeria can guide their place as the highest workforce in the event that they beat Benin in Uyo and South Africa play out a draw with Rwanda.
Nonetheless, because of Eritrea’s withdrawal, Eric Chelle’s males might qualify for the playoffs.
Eritrea’s determination to tug out, leaves Group E with simply 5 nations, whereas the opposite eight teams have six.
To take care of equity when rating the very best second-placed groups, as beforehand executed in 2012, CAF is anticipated to exclude outcomes in opposition to bottom-placed groups within the six-team teams.
If that rule is enforced, Nigeria may gain advantage, as they dropped factors in opposition to Zimbabwe and Lesotho.
