• FIFA picks Egyptian referees for Nigeria, Benin game
• Broos names squad for Zimbabwe, Amavubi games

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) believes that the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup will be boosted by a Rwanda victory over Benin Republic in Kigali next week.

The Amavubi will host the Cheetahs in their penultimate game of the qualifying series next week with a win taking them to the same 14 points as Benin Republic on the Group C table.

Benin Republic and South Africa are on 14 points, while Rwanda and Nigeria are tied on 11 points.

According to a top NFF official, who pleaded anonymity, the thinking is that a Rwanda victory will energise them to fight hard in their last game against South Africa with the belief that a win could get them the World Cup ticket.

He said: “Many people, understandably, have already given South Africa the Group C ticket because their last matches are against Zimbabwe and Rwanda on their home turf. But Rwanda should not be discounted because they have their own ambition.

“What we should be concentrating on right now is to support the Super Eagles to beat Lesotho and Benin Republic, which will take us to 17 points, while hoping for the best from the other games in the group.”

He described the criticism that has trailed the NFF’s handling of Nigeria’s campaign in a group many expected the Super Eagles to win easily as unfair, saying that certain things were beyond the federation’s control.

“We have been criticised for not protesting when Zimbabwe and Lesotho chose South Africa as their home ground, but these are sovereign countries with the right to decide where they want to play. But it is unfortunate because that choice gave South Africa an advantage over other teams in the group.

“But we wouldn’t be discussing all these if the Eagles did their bit by winning the home games. These players know what is at stake, yet they did not do what they were supposed to do.

“How can you explain that we were unable to beat Zimbabwe at home? I hope they will rise to the occasion in these next matches.”

He disclosed that the NFF has prepared for the Eagles’ early arrival in Polokwani ahead of their game against Lesotho next week.

“Polokwani is four hours by flight from Johannesburg and we have impressed on the players the need to arrive in Johannesburg on time for the flight to the city.”

Nigeria will meet Lesotho in Polokwani on October 10 and return to Uyo to host Benin Republic in the last game of the series.

In a letter to both the NFF and Benin football association, seen by The Guardian, FIFA said that the match in Uyo on October 14, which the Super Eagles must win, will be supervised by referees from Egypt, led by Omar Amin Mohammed.

He will be assisted by Abouelregal Mahmoud Ahmed Kamel and Ali Ahmed Tawfik Teleb, with Moustafa Elbana Mahmoud Zakaria Mohammed as fourth official.

Damoo Jason Joseph from Seychelles will be the referees’ assessor, Addo Prosper Harrison of Ghana will serve as match commissioner, while Vilakati Xolile Nokuthula from Eswatini will be the security officer.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, yesterday, unveiled the 23 players he intends to deploy for Bafana Bafana’s last games against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

The opening match will see Broos’ men travelling to Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban to take on Zimbabwe on October 10 and return to Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga to host Rwanda on October 14.

Appealing for unity as the team focuses on the upcoming challenges, Broos, known for his tactical acumen and leadership, expressed optimism about the squad’s potential.

Among players in the squad are captain and goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, and the reserve shot stoppers, Ricardo Goss and Sipho Chaine.

The defenders in the squad are Malibongwe Khoza, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thabang Matuludi, Samukelo Kabini and Nkosinathi Sibisi.

Also in the team are Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas and Thalente Mbatha.

The forwards in the squad are Thapelo Morena, Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule, Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster, Tshepang Moremi, Mohau Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng.