South Africa will participate in the FIFA World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010 after finishing top of their qualifying group. Their triumph came after a tense final round where they narrowly overtook Nigeria and Benin.
Benin entered the last matchday leading Group C, two points ahead of South Africa and three clear of Nigeria. However, the West African side suffered a heavy 4-0 loss in Uyo against Nigeria, with Victor Osimhen scoring a hat-trick. The defeat dropped Benin to third place on goal difference, allowing South Africa to seize the opportunity.
Bafana Bafana made the most of the situation, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Rwanda at home. Thalente Mbatha opened the scoring in the fifth minute, Oswin Appollis added a second in the first half, and Evidence Makgopa sealed the win with a header in the 72nd minute in Mbombela.
The win secured South Africa’s place among Africa’s seven representatives in the expanded 48-team finals, joining Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, and Cape Verde. The team also avoided any penalty from FIFA’s earlier decision to forfeit their 3-0 victory over Lesotho due to an ineligible player, which had temporarily dropped them to second place.
Nigeria battles through a turbulent campaign
Nigeria, meanwhile, still has a chance to reach the World Cup through the African play-offs, although the path remains challenging. A victory in their final match against Benin ensured one of four playoff spots, with the eventual winner advancing to the six-team intercontinental qualifiers scheduled for March.
The Super Eagles’ campaign has been marked by frequent managerial changes and inconsistent performances. Without Victor Osimhen, Nigeria struggled, drawing five matches when the Galatasaray striker was sidelined. Under Jose Peseiro, they drew against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, and Finidi George earned a point at home against South Africa but suffered a 2-1 defeat to Benin away, leaving the team in a difficult position.
Eric Chelle took over in January and won against Rwanda but was denied a follow-up victory when Zimbabwe equalized late in Uyo. Nigeria then drew 1-1 in South Africa, showing a lack of urgency without Osimhen and leaving qualification dependent on other results.
Osimhen shines as Nigeria secures a playoff place
The decisive clash against Benin saw Victor Osimhen step up for the Super Eagles. He opened the scoring in the third minute after a through ball from Samuel Chukwueze and doubled the lead with a header from Moses Simon’s cross before halftime. Osimhen completed his hat trick with a diving header from another Simon assist in the 51st minute.
Nigeria added a fourth goal in stoppage time when Frank Onyeka volleyed in a cross from Simon, finalizing a 4-0 win. The result guaranteed Nigeria a spot in the African play-offs and offered a morale boost despite a turbulent qualifying campaign.
Maintaining Osimhen’s fitness for the upcoming continental play-offs will be vital for Nigeria if they are to secure a return to the World Cup finals next year.