South Africa Returns to FIFA World Cup After 13 Years
South Africa is set to return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010, having secured the top position in their qualifying group ahead of Nigeria and Benin.
Benin, aiming for their first World Cup appearance, began the final round of matches at the top of Group C, holding a two-point lead over South Africa and a three-point advantage over Nigeria.
However, the team, managed by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, suffered a significant 4-0 defeat to Nigeria in Uyo, with Victor Osimhen scoring a hat-trick. This result caused Benin to drop to third place, falling behind Nigeria on goal difference.
This defeat opened the door for South Africa, who capitalized by securing a 3-0 victory at home against Rwanda. Thalente Mbatha scored the opening goal in the fifth minute, followed by Oswin Appollis adding a second midway through the first half, and Evidence Makgopa sealing the win with a header in the 72nd minute in Mbombela.
With this victory, South Africa becomes the seventh African nation to qualify for the expanded 48-team finals, joining Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, and Cape Verde.
There is relief within the South African camp that a 3-0 forfeit imposed by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player during their match against Lesotho in March did not ultimately hinder their qualification. This decision, announced earlier this month, had temporarily dropped South Africa from the top of the group to second place behind Benin.
Despite letting two points slip in a draw against bottom-placed Zimbabwe in Durban, South Africa was fortunate that Benin's loss provided them with an opportunity to redeem themselves against Rwanda.
Later today, the final two automatic qualifying spots for Africa will be determined, with either Senegal or DR Congo from Group B and Ivory Coast or Gabon from Group F competing for those positions.
Nigeria, meanwhile, still has a chance to qualify for next year's tournament through a challenging route that may involve up to four additional matches. Their recent win secured one of four spots in next month's African play-offs, with the overall winner progressing to FIFA's final six-team inter-continental qualifier scheduled for March.
These matches will ultimately decide the last two qualifiers for the expanded 48-team World Cup to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Osimhen Shines for Super Eagles
In the past few months, there has been considerable reflection in Abuja and among Nigeria's extensive diaspora regarding the prospect of missing a second consecutive World Cup. However, Victor Osimhen has provided hope for the Super Eagles.
Despite changes in coaching staff affecting the team, Nigeria's talented squad struggled to secure victories in the five matches they played while Osimhen was sidelined due to injury. Under coach Jose Peseiro, Nigeria drew their first two qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, while Finidi George managed to earn a point at home against South Africa before departing after a defeat to Benin.
Eric Chelle, appointed in January, started positively with a win over Rwanda, but momentum was halted when Zimbabwe equalized late in their match. Following their victory against Rwanda, Nigeria exhibited a lack of urgency without Osimhen, resulting in a draw against South Africa that left them needing other results to go their way to finish at the top of the group.
A tense win over Lesotho set the stage for a decisive match in Uyo, where Osimhen showcased his finishing prowess. He opened the scoring in the third minute with a precise finish from a Samuel Chukwueze through ball, doubled the lead with a header from a Fulham cross, and completed his hat-trick with a spectacular diving header from a Moses Simon free-kick in the 51st minute. Nigeria secured their play-off spot when Frank Onyeka volleyed in another cross from Simon during stoppage time, finalizing the score at 4-0.
Keeping the influential Osimhen fit for next month's continental play-offs will be crucial for Nigeria's ambitions to qualify for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States next year.