Benin 4-0 Lesotho: Gernot Rohr hopeful of beating South Africa, Nigeria to World Cup ticket

Benin Republic, led by coach Gernot Rohr, have given themselves a significant boost in the race for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification with a 4-0 win over Lesotho.

The victory moves Benin to 14 points, reclaiming second place in Group C and cutting South Africa’s lead to three points with two matches remaining.

In his post-match press conference, Rohr spoke confidently about his side's chances, referencing a potential FIFA ruling that could benefit them.

"If everything goes well, we’re level on points with South Africa, who should lose three points according to the regulations, because of that player who wasn’t eligible to play," he stated.

"So I don’t understand why FIFA hasn’t made a decision yet, but it’s very clear."Rohr continued, "The regulations are very clear on this. At that point, we’ll be level with South Africa, and anything is still possible."

Also on Tuesday, Nigeria’s Super Eagles forced South Africa to a 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein. This result, combined with Benin's win, has led many Nigerian fans to believe the team will miss consecutive World Cup tournaments.

However improbable, Nigeria’s qualification chances are not yet a mathematical impossibility. Aside from the nine automatic qualification slots, the four best second-place finishers from the nine groups will enter into a playoff round for a chance to make the World Cup.

Nigeria currently sits eighth in the second-place standings, so they must collect maximum points in their remaining two games and score enough goals to stay on the safe side of goal difference. All hope is not lost.