2026 World Cup Qualifiers: The heat on Super Eagles after South Africa win again to widen gap at the top

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The pressure is now very much on the Super Eagles to beat Rwanda in Uyo after Bafana Bafana of South Africa pipped neigbours Lesotho to increase their lead at the top of the 2026 World Cup qualifying group.

A first-half strike was all South Africa needed to get past hosts Lesotho today to now sit more comfortably at the top of the standings with 16 points from seven matches, nine clear points of fourth-placed Nigeria.

This means Nigeria have to beat Rwanda tomorrow to reduce this gap as well as climb to third place on the table after Benin could only beat Zimbabwe by the odd goal at home in the group’s other game today.

Benin thus have 11 points, four more than Nigeria, who now have to post a first home win tomorrow to be in contention.

The Super Eagles have drawn all their home games in the qualifiers –  1-1 vs Lesotho, 1-1 vs South Africa and 1-1 vs Zimbabwe.

Their away trip to South Africa Tuesday will only have added significance when they beat Rwanda tomorrow.


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