Super Eagles’ qualification math: How Group C looks for Nigeria as FIFA sanction Bafana Bafana

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Super Eagles’ Road to Victory: What Nigeria’s Group C Battle Looks Like After FIFA Sanctions Bafana Bafana

by Lifeinlagos 3 hours ago3 hours ago

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been handed a crucial opportunity to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following South Africa’s deduction of three points for fielding an ineligible player, according to Soccernet.ng.

Prior to the ruling, Bafana Bafana led Group C with 17 points after a 1-1 draw against Nigeria in Bloemfontein earlier this month.

However, FIFA has penalized South Africa by stripping them of three points after it was confirmed that suspended player Teboho Mokoena participated in the match against Lesotho on March 21, 2025, violating FIFA’s disciplinary regulations during the World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Nigeria secured a 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier. The Super Eagles line up against Rwanda’s Amavubi. Copyright: ImagoxAdekunlexAjayiximago

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Revised Standings in Group C and Nigeria’s Position

The Republic of Benin emerges as the primary beneficiary from South Africa’s fifa-technical-expert-reveals-bafana-sanction-looms-over-mokoena-blunder/” title=”“South Africa in trouble” – … technical expert reveals Bafana sanction looms over Mokoena blunder”>point deduction. Not only did Bafana Bafana lose three points, but the match against Lesotho was also forfeited, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 win. This adjustment has propelled Gernot Rohr’s Nigeria to the summit of Group C.

For the Super Eagles, the gap that once stood at six points has now narrowed to just three, with two crucial fixtures remaining in the qualification campaign.

Eric Chelle of Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on September — Eric Chelle’s Nigerian squad in action during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda’s Amavubi at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, September 6, 2025. [Photo Credit: ImagoxAkpan Nsidibe]

What It Will Take for Nigeria to Reach the 2026 World Cup

Although the path is narrow, Nigeria still holds a chance to qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, finishing second in Group C will not suffice.

To clinch the top spot, the Super Eagles must:

Secure victories in their final two qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho.
Achieve a combined goal difference of at least +5 across these matches without conceding, to maintain an edge in case of a points tie.
Rely on South Africa and Rwanda dropping points in their upcoming fixtures during the October international break.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria celebrate winning the Unity Cup during the Unity Cup Final, London 2025 match between Jamaica and Nigeria at Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford — The Super Eagles celebrate their Unity Cup triumph in London 2025 at the Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford. [Photo Credit: Imago]

While Nigeria’s chances to feature in the expanded 48-team World Cup remain alive, the team will need favorable results elsewhere to secure qualification.