National Teams
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Benin Republic edge Rwanda to give Nigeria lifeline
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Benin Republic senior men’s national team pipped Group C leaders, Rwanda 1-0 at the Stade Felix Houphpouet Boigny, Abidjan to move to the second position on the log of 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on Thursday.
Douko Dodo’s 37th-minute goal separated both sides in a tight contest as he was set up by Jodel Dossou before converting the winning goal.
The win pushed Gernot Rohr’s side to the second position in Group C with four points after three games.
The result also gave both Nigeria and South Africa the lifeline of topping the log with a win on Friday.
South Africa dropped to the third position with three points while Nigeria with two points is in fourth place.
A win for the Super Eagles over South Africa will ensure that the three-time African champions move to the top of the log.
The same applies to the Bafana Bafana if they can seal a win at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
A draw won’t do both sides any good in their quest to move to the top of the table.
Finidi George’s side will travel to Abidjan to face Benin Republic after the game against South Africa with the game taking place on Monday.
The Super Eagles have won four of the past five meetings with Benin Republic.
