Lifeline for Bafana Bafana? Nigeria can only seal World Cup ticket through one route

South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup lies in the hands of Nigeria and they have been boosted by the fact that the Super Eagles can only seal their ticket through one way.

Bafana Bafana’s goalless draw with Zimbabwe, coupled with Benin’s 1-0 win over Rwanda, left South African in a precarious position as their qualification is now out of their own hands.

Heading into the final round of qualifiers on Tuesday, Benin lead Group C with 17 points, South Africa on 15 while Nigeria have 14. All the three can seal a direct ticket to the World Cup but only Benin have their destiny in their own hands.

Bafana Bafana will need to beat Rwanda on Tuesday and hope that Nigeria beat Benin as the Super Eagles can now not qualify via the playoffs since six other second-placed teams are already on 18 and more points, while the maximum the Super Eagles can get is 17.

What other scenarios would favour South Africa?

It means they must win and hope South Africa drop points for them to qualify but Bafana Bafana can be the main beneficiaries in case they beat Rwanda and the Super Eagles triumph as that would leave Hugo Broos’ men with 18 points while the West Africans would have 17 and out of the running.

Benin, meanwhile, need to beat Nigeria to maintain top spot and lock out the rest, but even a draw could be enough provided South Africa fail to beat Rwanda.

However, a draw for Benin would mean South Africa would need to win by two clear goals to nick it while in a scenario where Nigeria beat Benin 2-1, and both teams end up with identical points, goals, and goal difference, FIFA’s fair play rules would determine who advances based on yellow and red card accumulation.

With Nigeria’s backs against the wall, South Africa’s main hope now is that the Super Eagles do the job in Uyo while they silence Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium.