Nigeria’s crucial match against Benin could determine South Africa’s chances of qualifying for the Fifa World Cup, as Bafana Bafana must win against Rwanda and rely on Nigeria’s victory to advance.
Much like a Liverpool fan shouting for Manchester United, it’s something that’s rarely done — but there are exceptions. South Africa’s long-time rivals, Nigeria, could now have the biggest influence on whether or not Bafana Bafana reach the Fifa World Cup next year.
As it stands, Benin top Group C of the CAF Fifa World Cup qualifiers with 17 points heading into the final round of fixtures on Tuesday. South Africa are second with 15 points, while Nigeria sit third with 14 points. Benin’s goal difference is five, while South Africa and Nigeria both have a goal difference of three.
Nigeria will host Benin at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, hoping to secure a vital win that could still see them finish at the top of the group.
If Nigeria defeat Benin by two goals or more, they will also move to 17 points but with a superior goal difference — a result that would favour South Africa, provided Bafana Bafana defeat Rwanda.
Bafana will host Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium. The last time the teams met, South Africa lost 2–0 to Rwanda in the second round of the qualifiers in November 2023.
South Africa could have been in a stronger position had they not been penalised due to an administrative oversight when Teboho Mokoena, who was ineligible, featured in a qualifier against Lesotho in March. Fifa subsequently docked Bafana three points, converting their 2–0 win to a 3–0 loss.
Had that not occurred, the qualification picture would look very different. For now, however, South Africans are hoping Nigeria triumph over Benin to keep Bafana Bafana’s World Cup dreams alive.
