W’Cup qualifiers: Eagles drop to fourth after Benin win

Without kicking a ball, the Super Eagles fell from third to fourth in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers following Benin Republic's 1-0 victory over Rwanda in their group's opening match on Thursday.

Benin, under the direction of former Super Eagles coach Genort Rohr, overtook South Africa and Nigeria to take second place in the group with four points, matching leaders Rwanda. Dodo Dokou's goal in the first half of the game gave Benin the advantage at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, their adopted home ground in Ivory Coast.

Though the Eagles must defeat South Africa in Uyo on Friday (today) in order to fully benefit from the outcome, Rwanda's inability to win the game is actually a godsend.

Nigeria may go up to the top of the table with five points, one point ahead of Rwanda, who had held the top spot with four points since defeating South Africa in their second series match, if they win against Bafana Bafana.

The Eagles will play the Squirrels in Ivory Coast on Monday, following their match against Bafana tonight, while South Africa takes on Zimbabwe.