Nigeria’s slim 2-1 victory over Lesotho on Friday has stored their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive; however qualification continues to be delicately poised heading into the ultimate spherical of Group C fixtures.
The Tremendous Eagles had been made to sweat in opposition to Lesotho, with captain William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams discovering the web to safe a much-needed three factors.
Regardless of the win, Nigeria stay in third place within the group, trailing Benin Republic with three factors and South Africa with one level because the race for computerized qualification for the 2026 World Cup goes all the way down to the wire.
Right here’s what should occur for the Tremendous Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup:
Nigeria should beat Benin Republic by no less than two targets
The Tremendous Eagles face Benin Republic of their ultimate group match on Tuesday, 14 October: a decisive showdown that might decide their World Cup destiny.
Solely a convincing win by no less than two targets will maintain their possibilities real looking, as purpose distinction may very well be essential in figuring out the group winner.
South Africa should lose or draw in opposition to Rwanda
Nigeria may also want a little bit of assist elsewhere. For Eric Chelle’s males to prime the group, South Africa should both lose or draw in opposition to Rwanda of their ultimate fixture. A South African win would all however finish Nigeria’s probabilities of computerized qualification.
With solely the group winners assured a ticket to the 2026 World Cup, and the 4 greatest runners-up heading to the playoffs, each purpose and level now issues.
The Tremendous Eagles’ slim win in Lesotho has reignited perception: however they’ll want each precision and a little bit of luck within the ultimate spherical if they’re to return to soccer’s largest stage after lacking out on Qatar 2022.
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