Johannesburg: South Africa will return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010, having narrowly secured the top spot in their qualifying group ahead of Nigeria and Benin.
According to BBC, Benin, who were pursuing their first-ever World Cup appearance, began the final round of matches leading Group C, two points ahead of South Africa and three ahead of Nigeria. However, Benin, led by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, suffered a 4-0 defeat in Uyo against Nigeria, with Victor Osimhen scoring a hat-trick. This result dropped Benin to third place, behind Nigeria on goal difference.
South Africa faced challenges earlier in the qualifying rounds when FIFA imposed a 3-0 forfeit for fielding an ineligible player in a match against Lesotho in March. This decision temporarily placed them second in the group, behind Benin, before the final two rounds. Despite a draw against Zimbabwe in Durban, Benin’s defeat allowed South Africa to reclaim the top spot.
Africa's final two automatic qualifying spots, contested by either Senegal or DR Congo from Group B and Ivory Coast or Gabon from Group F, will be determined later on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Nigeria still has a chance to reach the tournament through the African play-offs, with a potential path involving four additional matches to secure a place in the inter-continental qualifier next March.
Victor Osimhen's performance has been pivotal for Nigeria, offering hope to a team that has faced instability with frequent managerial changes. Under Jose Peseiro and later Finidi George, the Super Eagles struggled in Osimhen's absence, failing to win any of their matches. Eric Chelle, appointed in January, managed to stabilize the team, with Osimhen's return proving decisive in key matches.
A critical win over Rwanda and a draw against South Africa set the stage for a must-win game against Benin, where Osimhen's hat-trick and Frank Onyeka's late goal secured Nigeria’s place in the play-offs. Maintaining Osimhen’s fitness will be crucial as Nigeria aims to qualify for the World Cup finals next year.