World Cup qualifiers: Benin edge Zimbabwe to put more pressure on Super Eagles

Benin Republic boosted their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a narrow 1–0 victory over Zimbabwe in Abidjan on Friday, a result that has direct implications for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

The Squirrels left it late, with Steve Mounié’s 77th-minute strike proving decisive in a tight contest.

The result takes Benin to eight points from six matches in Group C, leapfrogging Nigeria and piling more pressure on the Super Eagles, who currently sit on seven points.

Group C remains wide open with Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, and Nigeria all jostling for top spot, but Benin’s victory has made the race even tougher.

For Nigeria, who are winless in their last qualifiers, the margin for error continues to shrink.

Zimbabwe’s defeat leaves them rooted near the bottom with just four points, meaning their hopes of challenging for the sole automatic ticket look slim.

The Super Eagles, led by coach Éric Chelle, must now respond in their next matches against Rwanda and South Africa if they are to revive their qualification campaign. With Benin climbing above them, every point is now crucial.

Nigeria’s inconsistency in the qualifiers has been a major concern for fans, but Benin’s rise underlines just how competitive the group has become.