With FIFA docking South Africa 3 points, Group C has been thrown wide open. What once looked like a guaranteed World Cup miss for Nigeria now has a glimmer of hope, though the Super Eagles will need a lot to go their way, starting with big wins in their final two games. As we head into what could be the most crucial five days for the Nigeria national football team in years, here’s a breakdown of what to expect from the group.
Our Picks:
League | Fixture | Tips | Bet |
WCQ Africa | Lesotho vs. Nigeria | HTUP: Nigeria | |
WCQ Africa | Zimbabwe vs. South Africa | HTUP: South Africa | |
WCQ Africa | Rwanda vs. Benin Republic | Double Chance: Rwanda Win or Draw | |
WCQ Europe | Portugal vs. Ireland | Cristiano Ronaldo Anytime Scorer | |
WCQ Europe | Spain vs. Georgia | Over 2.5 Goals | |
WCQ Europe | Belgium vs. North Macedonia | Both Teams To Score | |
WCQ Europe | Germany vs. Luxembourg | Germany (-2 Goals): Germany |
- Total Odds: 14.93
- Booking Code: Q42Y6V
Lesotho vs. Nigeria
Group C remains one of the tightest groups in the African World Cup qualifiers, with five nations still in contention for a 2026 ticket. Benin Republic lead the table on goal difference ahead of South Africa, but their trip to Kigali to face Rwanda could reshape the standings completely. South Africa themselves head to bottom of the table Zimbabwe, while Nigeria will be in Lesotho in a must-win game. It is the most interesting group in the CAF qualifiers and things could look different by 7pm on Friday. For now, let’s break down Nigeria’s trip to Lesotho.
Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes have been reignited ahead of Friday’s penultimate Group C clash against Lesotho. The Super Eagles, once on the brink of missing a second successive World Cup, have been handed a lifeline after South Africa were docked points for fielding an ineligible player earlier in the campaign. That decision leaves Nigeria just three points off the top, behind Benin and Bafana Bafana, with two matches remaining.
While qualification is not fully in their hands, Eric Chelle’s side can still progress if they win both remaining games and South Africa drop points. Nigeria have two victories so far (both against Rwanda) and now face a must-win situation against fifth-placed Lesotho, who sit on nine points after benefiting from the same South African sanction.
Lesotho won’t be pushovers, and Nigeria knows this well. When both sides met in Akwa-Ibom in the reverse fixture, it ended in a draw with Nigeria needing a goal to rescue a point.
Leslie Notsi’s Crocodiles, despite having technically won only once on the field, have a faint mathematical chance of qualifying for their first-ever World Cup. Their ‘home’ fixtures being staged in South Africa presents a further challenge, but Lesotho will still aim to frustrate their more illustrious visitors. Motlomelo Mkwanazi, who scored in the reverse fixture, alongside forward Sera Motebang and goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane, are expected to play key roles.
Nigeria, meanwhile, are boosted by the return of Victor Osimhen, while Ademola Lookman - now back in the fold at Atalanta - and Moses Simon should flank the Napoli striker. Alex Iwobi will operate in midfield, with William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey anchoring the defence. Despite their inconsistent campaign, the Super Eagles’ superior talent and attacking options make them favourites to earn a crucial away win that keeps their World Cup dream alive heading into the decisive final round.
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Zimbabwe vs. South Africa
Following FIFA’s three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho, Bafana Bafana’s once-comfortable path to qualification now hangs in the balance. Level on points with Benin and only three ahead of Nigeria, Hugo Broos’ men cannot afford another slip-up. Fortunately for them, they face a struggling Zimbabwe side that remains winless after eight matches and is guaranteed to finish bottom of Group C.
Zimbabwe’s underwhelming campaign has seen them register five draws and three losses, with head coach Michael Nees managing just one victory in nine games since his appointment. The Warriors also enter the fixture amid disruption, as assistant coach Takesure Chiragwi recently resigned following an off-field incident.
Despite being listed as the home team, Zimbabwe will host the game at Marrakech Stadium (Morocco), meaning they have no home advantage over Bafana Bafana. Broos’s side are unbeaten in seven matches and will look to extend that run with their strong attacking core and defensive organisation. So, While the Warriors may hope to frustrate their southern neighbours, Bafana Bafana’s superior quality, form, and favourable setting make them clear favourites to claim a crucial victory that keeps their 2026 World Cup dreams alive.
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Rwanda vs. Benin Republic
Arguably the most significant game in the group sees Rwanda host Benin Republic. Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic benefited from South Africa’s three-point deduction earlier in the campaign, yet their away form remains a concern as they are winless in three road games, including draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Key players like Steve Mounie, the group’s top scorer with five goals, will be crucial if Benin are to edge closer to their first-ever World Cup appearance.
Rwanda, meanwhile, sit level on points with Nigeria and remain just three points behind Benin. The Amavubi have been inconsistent at home, winning only once in four outings, but they enter this clash with minimal pressure and everything to gain. Coach Adel Amrouche’s men, led by Jojea Kwizera and Gilbert Mugisha, will look to exploit Benin’s away struggles and keep their qualification hopes alive.
With South Africa and Nigeria also in action, the result in Kigali could prove decisive. Benin’s advantage makes them slight favourites, but Rwanda’s resilience at home and the high stakes suggest a potential upset, one that could blow Group C wide open.
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Portugal vs. Ireland
Portugal will look to maintain their perfect start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they host the Republic of Ireland at Estadio José Alvalade on Saturday night. The European champions have carried their fine form from the summer, where they lifted a second UEFA Nations League title, into qualifying with back-to-back wins over Armenia (5-0) and Hungary (3-2).
Roberto Martinez’s side, unbeaten in their last five matches, already sit three points clear at the top of Group F and appear on course for another major tournament appearance. Despite being assured of at least a playoff spot through their Nations League success, Portugal remain intent on sealing automatic qualification. Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored twice in the last meeting between the sides, continues to lead from the front, supported by Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha in midfield. However, Martinez will be without injured duo João Cancelo and João Neves.
Ireland, meanwhile, are still searching for their first win in this campaign after drawing with Hungary and losing to Armenia. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men face the daunting task of ending a 19-year World Cup absence and have never won on Portuguese soil. Injuries to key players like Matt Doherty and Sammie Szmodics further complicate matters, leaving the underdogs facing long odds against one of Europe’s most in-form sides.
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Spain vs. Georgia
Just like Portugal, Spain will aim to maintain their perfect start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they host Georgia. La Roja top Group E with six points from two matches, following dominant wins over Bulgaria (3-0) and Turkey (6-0). The reigning European champions have also won their last 16 home games across all competitions, filling them with a lot of confidence ahead of Saturday night.
Spain have won seven of their eight meetings with Georgia, including a 4-1 triumph in the Euro 2024 round of 16. La Roja have key injuries with two members of the Barcelona squad - Lamine Yamal and Gavi - absent for the game while Rodri, Carvajal, and Nico Williams will also be sidelined. Yet, the hosts boast depth across all positions, with Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and Mikel Oyarzabal expected to lead the attack.
Georgia, meanwhile, have taken three points from their first two qualifiers, losing 3-2 to Turkey before defeating Bulgaria 3-0. Led by PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Crusaders will look to replicate their Euro 2024 spirit, though history and form weigh heavily against them.
Georgia’s hopes hinge on Kvaratskhelia producing a standout display, but La Roja’s superior quality and scoring form (nine goals in two games) suggest another comfortable victory is likely.Also, with each of Georgia’s last 5 games producing 3 or more goals, our online betting community should lean on the goals market, and BetKing has the best odds for that.
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Belgium vs. North Macedonia
Belgium host Group J leaders North Macedonia in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier. With just one point separating the sides - Belgium on 10 and North Macedonia on 11 - the battle for the group’s sole automatic qualification spot remains open and a lot of fight is expected.
The Red Devils have hit top form, netting 17 goals across four qualifiers, including back-to-back 6-0 wins. Rudi Garcia’s men are unbeaten in five matches and have scored at least three times in each of their last three home games. However, defensive lapses remain a concern, with Belgium conceding two or more goals in five of their last nine games.
North Macedonia, meanwhile, have impressed in qualifying, dispatching Liechtenstein 5-0 last time out while allowing just one shot on target. Blagoja Milevski’s team are eyeing a historic first World Cup appearance, building on a run of four consecutive competitive away victories. Though they have never beaten Belgium in five attempts, a 1-1 draw in June shows they can compete at this level.
With Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings for Belgium and Jeremy Doku providing width and pace, the hosts are favourites. North Macedonia’s resilience and form on the road suggest they could make it competitive, and our bet of the day is for both teams to score. With BetKing being the best betting site in Nigeria, they have great odds for this market which would see you win 2.5x your betting stake.