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Group C of the 2026 world cup qualifiers is probably the only group in which three teams reach the final round of games hoping to finish first and book a spot in the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Nigeria, who are in third place, will face Benin Republic, who are in first place in the group, in their final match. They are currently three points behind heading into the final two games.
Second-place South Africa, who were favorites until dropping three points for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho in March, are in first place and separated on goal difference from Benin.
All three teams enter the final round of games with some concerns about their squad, with Nigeria leading the way, with up to seven players facing difficulties in obtaining an entry visa to South Africa, where they will face Lesotho on Friday.
The situation will disrupt the preparation for a very important match, as the affected players will only be available for training before the match.
South Africa will also go into the matches with major concerns as midfield star Relebohile Mofokeng will miss both matches, as confirmed by coach Hugo Broos, who has already named his replacement.
Hugo Broos confirmed that Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala has been called up as Mofokeng’s replacement.
“We replaced him with Shabalala. Secondly, there are two players who have not arrived because they played yesterday, they are (Lyle) Foster and (Sphephelo) Sithole. They will arrive tomorrow (Tuesday) morning and in the afternoon we will be complete,” Broos said.
Meanwhile, coach Gernot Rohr, leader of Benin Republic, is concerned about his team’s lack of discipline, which has put nine players on the verge of missing the important match against Nigeria in Uyo.
The players on the sidelines are Sessi d’Almeida, Yohan Roche, Jodel Dossou, Rodrigue Kossi, Mohamed Tijani, Samadou Attidjikou, Imourane Hassane, Junior Olaitan and Cédric Hountondji.
“If a player is suspended for a protest or a bad mood, he will face a fine,” Rohr warned.
“We are, above all, very strict. We do not want to be affected by this type of lack of discipline.”
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
