Nigeria Super Eagles' hope of qualification to the 2026 World Cup hangs in the balance after South Africa and the Benin Republic recorded wins against their opponents on Friday evening, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Bafana Bafana defeated Lesotho 0-3 at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein to stay top of group C with 16 points.
Goals from Mohau Nkota after 15 minutes, Lyle Foster in the 63rd minute, and Oswin Appollis ensured all points.
Benin Republic edged Zimbabwe 1-0 at the Orlando Stadium through captain Steve Mounié's goal in the 77th minute to stay second with 11 points.
The two wins leave Nigeria, which is 4th in group C, 9 points adrift of South Africa, 4 points at a disadvantage to Benin Republic, and a point less than third place Rwanda.
With four games left for the Super Eagles in the qualifiers, a win in all the remaining matches is the only way out to make it to the mundial next year.
They need to start with a win on Saturday when they play the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo at 5 pm Nigerian time.
Uche Dozie