Friday, July 17, 2026

South Africa book World Cup spot; Nigeria’s hope uncertain

Despite suffering a three-point deduction for fielding a suspended player, South Africa fought their way through with a crucial win.

• October 14, 2025
Super Eagles squad
Super Eagles squad [Credit: Super Eagles ]

South Africa booked their spot in the 2026 World Cup with a win against Rwanda in their last African qualifying group stage game on Tuesday, leaving Nigeria as second in the group.

With a 3-0 win against Rwanda, Bafana Bafana of South Africa garnered 18 points in ten games to grab the group’s World Cup ticket, while Nigeria would have to fight for a potential qualification in the play-offs.

Despite suffering a three-point deduction for fielding a suspended player, South Africa fought their way through with a crucial win.

Thalente Mbatha opened the scoring for South Africa just five minutes into the game at the Mbombela Stadium, while Oswin Appollis doubled South Africa’s lead in the 26th minute.

With the three-goal lead, South Africa has already secured their place in the 2026 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Nigeria put up a brilliant performance against the Benin Republic, winning 4-0 at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Tuesday, with the hope of qualifying for the World Cup.

Victor Osimhen netted a hat-trick. He scored in the third, 37th, and 51st minutes to help the Super Eagles grab all three crucial points.

Franklin Onyeka added a fourth for Nigeria. Though the win was not enough to help them finish atop the group, as South Africa edged Nigeria with a point through their victory against Rwanda, it reignited hope for the Super Eagles to fight for a World Cup slot in interconfederation play-offs.

With 17 points in 10 games, Nigeria fell behind South Africa’s 18 points and would be fighting for a possible qualification to the World Cup through playoffs in November.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

suspected phone thieves

States

Niger: Police rescue two suspected phone thieves from mob

He identified the suspects as Hassan Abdullahi, 20, and Khalifa Bashir, 22. 

COURT OF APPEAL

Heading 5

Court of Appeal nullifies Electoral Act provisions on parties’ primary election, membership register

Zenith Party argued that the disputed Electoral Act provisions unlawfully interfered with the internal affairs of political parties. 

Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Lagos

Governor Sanwo-Olu inaugurates climate investment fund

Mr Sanwo-Olu described the fund as a landmark intervention. 

Kano-Daura rail project

NationWide

NRC reaffirms police partnership to protect rail assets

Mr Opeifa described the nation’s railway infrastructure as critical national assets that must be safeguarded.Â