2026 World Cup: Super Eagles Keeps Qualification Hope Alive

By Oluniyi Isamotu

Nigeria’s Super Eagles kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lesotho at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Captain William Troost-Ekong broke the deadlock in the 55th minute from the penalty spot following a foul inside the box, after a goalless first half that saw Nigeria struggle to break down a compact Lesotho side.

Nigeria extended the lead in the 80th minute when substitute Jerome Akor Adams coolly slotted home to restore the advantage.

Lesotho, however, responded quickly, reducing the tally just four minutes later through Sefali Tsolo, who capitalised on a moment of hesitation in Nigeria’s defence to make it 1–1.

The win lifts Nigeria back into contention ahead of their final group clash against Benin Republic in Uyo next week — a match that could determine their World Cup fate.

Despite the victory, Nigeria’s qualification fate remains out of their hands. Benin sit top of the group with 17 points, followed closely by South Africa on 15, meaning the Super Eagles will need to win their last match and hope results elsewhere go their way.

Rwanda, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe complete the standings, with each team now mathematically out of contention.

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2026 WAFCON: CAF Expands to 16 Teams

By Oluniyi Isamotu

The Confederation of African Football has confirmed that the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals will expand from 12 to 16 teams beginning with the 2026 edition.

According to the Punch, next year’s tournament in Morocco was initially planned to feature 12 nations, with qualifying already at its second and final round.

However, the expansion means an additional round of qualifying may be introduced, with 11 remaining teams expected to compete for four available slots.

Further details are expected after CAF’s executive committee meeting, currently taking place in Kinshasa.

WAFCON began as an eight-team tournament in 1998 and maintained that format until the 2018 edition in Ghana.

The 2020 tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic before the competition returned with 12 teams in 2022.

CAF has increased investment in women’s football across the continent, with the prize fund for the most recent edition in Morocco rising by 45 per cent to $3.45m.

Champions Nigeria received $1m after claiming a record 10th title.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed satisfaction with the growth of the women’s game in Africa, saying he remains committed to its continued development.

“I am pleased with the progress we’ve made in women’s African football,” Motsepe said.

“Part of my starting point is making sure men and women are paid well and can make a career out of football. I can assure you women’s football will continue to improve because that is an area we are focusing on a lot.”