Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup received a major boost after Benin Republic defeated Rwanda in Côte d’Ivoire on Thursday night.

Before the match, Rwanda topped the group with four points while Benin were at the bottom with only one point.

Gernot Rohr’s team secured a 1-0 victory, which makes them joint-top leaders in Group C with four points.

For Nigeria, a victory over South Africa today would place them at the top of the group.

It’s crucial to note that only the group winners are guaranteed automatic qualification spots for the next World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.