Nigeria still have a chance of reaching the 2026 Fifa World Cup after registering a nervy 2-1 away win over Lesotho.
2026 World Cup qualification Africa
1-2
Match Report
The Super Eagles remain three points behind Group C leaders Benin, who grabbed a late 1-0 victory in Rwanda and are aiming to secure a place at the finals for the very first time.
South Africa are the other team in with a chance of topping the group, but their chances suffered a blow when they were held to a goalless draw on home turf by 10-man Zimbabwe in Durban.
Bafana Bafana are second, two points behind Benin and one clear of third-placed Nigeria.
Only the group winners are assured of a spot at the finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Nigeria host Benin in the final round of games on Tuesday (16:00 GMT) and will leapfrog their West African rivals if they win by a two-goal margin.
However, South Africa could yet finish above both sides if they win their home game against Rwanda.
If the Nigeria-Benin game ends in a draw then Bafana Bafana will qualify with a win by three goals or more. South Africa will also seal top spot if they win and the Super Eagles take all three points from the derby in Uyo.
The four best second-placed sides in African qualifying will still have a chance to reach the tournament via continental and inter-confederation play-offs, but the congested nature of Group C means the side finishing second may not have enough points to progress.
Line-ups
Lesotho XI: Thabo Makhele, Sera Motebang, Motlomelo Mkwanazi, Rethabile Mokokoane, Sekhoane Moerane, Thabang Malane, K. Mohloai, Lehlohonolo Matsau, Fusi Matlabe, Kananelo Rapuleng, Jane Ts’Otleho
Subs: Hlompho Kalake, Neo Mokhachane, Tsepang Sefali, Mosoeu Seahlolo, Mohlomi Makhetha, Keketso Snyder, Makara Ntaitsane, Mphale Mphalaole, Leluma Mofoka, Siyabonga Monyaka, Halifele Moqokola
Nigeria XI: W. Troost-Ekong, Iwobi, Moses Simon, Ndidi, Osimhen, Lookman, Calvin Bassey, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Stanley Nwabali, Benjamin Fredrick
Subs: Semi Ajayi, Chukwueze, Zaidu, Frank Onyeka, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, Akor Adams, Adebayo Adeleye, Amas Obasogie, Christantus Uche