Matchday nine in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers delivered pivotal outcomes within Group C, according to Soccernet.ng.
The battle for World Cup qualification intensifies among Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Benin Republic, and South Africa as they strive to secure their spots in the 2026 tournament.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions kept their hopes alive by clinching a 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane, with William Troost-Ekong and Akor Adams finding the net.
Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria: Adams matches Martins’ record as Super Eagles cling to faint World Cup hopes #LESNGA pic.twitter.com/VhNaRx2k1p
– Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) October 10, 2025
In other fixtures, Benin Republic narrowly defeated Rwanda 1-0, while South Africa were held to a goalless stalemate by Zimbabwe.
Group C Standings After Matchday 9 in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Benin Republic Holds Firm at the Summit
Under the guidance of Gernot Rohr, Benin Republic continues to lead Group C with 17 points, showcasing consistent form throughout the qualifiers.
The Cheetahs are on the brink of making history, needing just one more victory in their final clash against Nigeria to secure a World Cup berth, provided other results align in their favor.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles Keep Qualification Hopes Alive
Currently sitting third with 14 points, Nigeria trails Benin by three points. Despite an inconsistent campaign, coach Eric Chelle’s squad still has a pathway to the World Cup if they triumph in their last match and benefit from favorable outcomes elsewhere.
Photo Credit: Imago
South Africa Remain in the Hunt
Bafana Bafana slipped to second place after forfeiting three points due to fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their match against Lesotho, coupled with a goalless draw against Zimbabwe.
Nonetheless, with 15 points on the board, South Africa is still very much in contention. A victory in their final fixture could propel them past Benin, depending on how other matches unfold.
Final Showdown: What’s at Stake for Nigeria, Benin, and South Africa?
The concluding fixtures in Group C promise to be decisive. Nigeria will host Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, while South Africa welcomes Rwanda for their final qualifier.
With only a three-point gap separating the top trio, the group remains fiercely competitive, often regarded as Africa’s toughest World Cup qualifying cluster.
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