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The Digest:

Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup narrowed significantly after Matchday 8, with South Africa holding firm at the top, Benin surging into second, and Rwanda leveling with the Super Eagles on points. Nigeria now must win its final two matches and rely on other results to have any chance of qualification.

Key Points:
  • South Africa (17 points) leads Group C and needs one win to secure automatic qualification
  • Benin (14 points) jumped to second after a 4–0 thrashing of Lesotho
  • Nigeria and Rwanda are tied at 11 points, with Nigeria ahead only on goal difference
  • The Super Eagles must win both remaining games (vs Lesotho and Benin) to have a chance
  • Even with two wins, Nigeria may still need South Africa to drop points against Rwanda or Zimbabwe
  • A runner-up playoff spot remains mathematically possible but highly unlikely
  • The final match against Benin is now a decisive “do-or-die” encounter
Nigeria’s World Cup fate is no longer in its hands, requiring near-perfect results and unexpected favors from other teams.

Sources: Showmax, Score Nigeria, Soccernet