2026 World Cup: What Super Eagles Must Do to Qualify After Narrow 2-1 Win Over Lesotho

• Nigeria’s Super Eagles kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Lesotho, but qualification remains uncertain.

• To reach North America 2026, Nigeria must beat Benin Republic by at least two goals and hope South Africa drop points against Rwanda in their final group game.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive on Friday with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lesotho, but their path to the global showpiece remains uncertain ahead of the final Group C fixtures.

Goals from captain William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams secured a much-needed win for Nigeria, who were made to work hard by the resilient Crocodiles of Lesotho. Despite the victory, the Super Eagles remain third in Group C, trailing Benin Republic by three points and South Africa by one point.

With only the group winners guaranteed automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup — and the four best runners-up heading to playoffs — the race for a ticket to North America 2026 is now down to the wire.

What Nigeria Must Do to Qualify for the 2026 World Cup

1. Beat Benin Republic by at least two goals
The Super Eagles face Benin Republic in a decisive final group match on Tuesday, October 14, where only a convincing win will keep their qualification hopes alive. A two-goal margin could prove vital as goal difference may determine the group leader if points are tied.

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2. Hope South Africa lose or draw against Rwanda
Nigeria will also need help from elsewhere. For coach Eric Chelle and his team to finish top, South Africa must drop points in their final game against Rwanda. A South African win would almost certainly end Nigeria’s automatic qualification chances.

The Super Eagles missed the Qatar 2022 World Cup and are determined not to repeat that heartbreak. Their narrow win in Maseru has reignited belief, but as the group finale approaches, Nigeria will need both precision and a bit of luck to seal their return to football’s biggest stage.