WCQ: Bafana Bafana, Nigeria, and Benin Battle for Group C Top Spot Ahead of Tuesday’s Showdown

• South Africa, Nigeria and the Benin Republic all have the chance to secure the qualification ticket for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• The Tuesday showdown will determine the team that will secure the top position in Group C, with each nation depending on the other's results
• A football analyst in a chat with Briefly News named the favourites to poach the qualification ticket between the three countries

Bafana Bafana of South Africa, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, and the Benin Republic are also fighting for the top spot in Group C, with the World Cup qualifying ticket all for grabs.

South Africa was in pole position to qualify in Group C, but they had three points deducted after fielding Teboho Mokoena, who was ineligible to play against Lesotho back in March.

Bafana Bafana’s chances of qualifying became more difficult after they dropped points against their neighbours, Zimbabwe, on Friday, October 10, 2025. They now need to win their last match against Rwanda and hope Nigeria secure all three points against the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

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Favourites to qualify between Benin, Nigeria, SA

Nigerian football analyst Michael Afolayan, while chatting with Briefly News, shared his thoughts on the last-day showdown in Group C.

The Nigerian journalist was objective in his analysis as he claimed Bafana Bafana is still the favourite to qualify for the competition.

“It’s going to be a Tuesday to remember for the three countries as they all depend on each other to determine who secures the first-place position,” he said.

“Like I said before, I still think it’s South Africa’s ticket to lose as they stand in a good position to secure a top-place finish. The point deduction really damaged South Africa's campaign, as they would've already secured the qualification ticket before all this drama, but they were deservedly punished for not being organised; it would be a lesson for others."

Afolayan further explained why he named South Africa as favourites despite being placed in second position and two points behind Group C leaders Benin Republic.

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"South Africa is better placed because of the conditions each team is facing in the last qualifier,” he added.

“Firstly, Bafana Bafana is playing at home to a Rwandan side that is no longer playing for anything, and is not a rival to South Africa, in comparison to what Zimbabwe showed the last time. Secondly, they just need to win and wait for the outcome between Nigeria and Benin, a match I think the Super Eagles would win despite their recent poor performance.

"Benin is a good side and they have a coach who understands the Nigerian players, but I don't see them beating the Super Eagles at home. If Benin were playing at home, it would have been a difficult one for South Africa, but Nigeria is still playing for something, which makes it difficult for Rohr's team."

Broos comments on Mofokeng's absence

Briefly News previously reported that Hugo Broos had addressed the questions raised about his team missing Relebohile Mofokeng in Bafana Bafana's draw against Zimbabwe.

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The Orlando Pirates youngster was initially included in the 23-man squad for the match, but had to withdraw due to an injury he suffered in the Carling Knockout Cup.

Source: Briefly News