World Cup 2026: South Africa qualify as group winners as Victor Osimhen hat-trick earns Nigeria play-off spot

South Africa claimed top spot in Group C of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) section of World Cup qualification on Tuesday.

Bafana Bafana, who began the day in third place after being punished for fielding an ineligible player in the suspended Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho, punched their ticket for next summer’s showpiece with a 3-0 win over Rwanda.

Goals from Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis and Thalente Mbatha ensured Hugo Broos’ side did their job in the hope of making a first World Cup finals appearance since 2010 - when they hosted the tournament.

As for the Super Eagles, they confirmed a place as one of the four best runners-up after producing arguably their best performance in qualification.

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen was the hero as he netted a superb hat-trick as Nigeria beat Benin by the required number of goals to leapfrog their neighbours in the table.

The next task was to claim victory by a four-goal margin to guarantee a play-off place. Nigeria looked to be falling short by one but a brilliant strike from Frank Onyeka in second half injury time sparked wild scenes inside the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

However, with Rwanda offering no favours, Eric Chelle’s side had to settle for the runners-up and to reflect on a campaign which began in the worst possible fashion. Though they do have a lifeline thanks to a four-star showing.

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