Nigeria’s World Cup Dreams Dwindle as Ghana Shines

Nigeria’s hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took another hit as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Benin, while Jordan Ayew’s hat-trick inspired Ghana to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Central African Republic (CAR).

Super Eagles Grounded

Nigeria’s Super Eagles now find themselves in a precarious position in Group C, with only three points from four matches. The team’s latest setback came when Benin, led by former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory.

Raphael Onyedika opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 27th minute, but their lead was short-lived. Jodel Dossou’s equalizer, after capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Calvin Bassey, and Steve Mounie’s decisive strike from a corner, left Nigeria trailing by halftime. Despite Ademola Lookman’s missed header and Paul Onuachu’s positioning, Nigeria could not find an equalizer.

Rohr, who coached Nigeria until 2021, was jubilantly celebrated by his Benin team, who now top Group C with seven points. The loss leaves Nigeria in fifth place, increasing the pressure on head coach Finidi George, appointed in April.

Ayew’s Century Caps Ghana’s Comeback

Jordan Ayew marked his 100th international appearance with a hat-trick, leading Ghana to a crucial 4-3 win over CAR in Kumasi. An early penalty converted by Ayew set the tone, but defensive errors saw Ghana trailing 2-1 at halftime after two well-executed counter-attacks by Louis Mafouta.

Ayew’s dominance in the second half turned the game around. He equalized with a header from Gideon Mensah’s cross and then capitalized on a deflected shot to put Ghana ahead. Mohammed Kudus’ saved shot allowed Ayew to complete his hat-trick and secure the victory. Mafouta’s late free-kick for CAR was not enough to alter the outcome.

This win places Ghana at the top of Group I, three points ahead of Madagascar and Comoros. Ayew’s recent form, including an injury-time winner against Mali, has been instrumental for the Black Stars.

Salah Keeps Egypt Unbeaten

Mohamed Salah’s deflected goal ensured Egypt maintained their unbeaten record in Group A with a 1-1 draw against Guinea-Bissau. Despite falling behind to Mama Balde’s goal, Egypt responded with pressure, and Salah’s equalizer kept them four points clear at the group’s summit.

Salah, now joint-top scorer in African qualifying, had a late chance to secure victory, but Guinea-Bissau’s goalkeeper Manuel Balde denied him. Guinea-Bissau, under new coach Luis Boa Morte, remains in second place, while Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone also remain in contention after a 2-2 draw in neutral Mali.

Algeria Overcomes Uganda

In Kampala, Algeria recovered from a shock deficit to beat Uganda 2-1. Travis Mutyaba’s long-range strike put Uganda ahead, but Algeria’s Houssem Aouar quickly equalized after halftime, followed by Said Benrahma’s winner from a swift counter-attack. This victory keeps Algeria at the top of Group G, level on points with Mozambique, who narrowly defeated Guinea.

Elsewhere, Iban Salvador’s goal secured a 1-0 win for Equatorial Guinea against Malawi, keeping them competitive in Group H pending a FIFA appeal regarding player eligibility.

Looking Ahead

The fourth round of African World Cup qualifiers will conclude on Tuesday, with the campaign resuming in March 2025. The nine group winners will secure spots at the 2026 World Cup, with a tenth African team potentially qualifying through an intercontinental playoff.

Group Standings Highlights

• Group C: Benin leads with seven points; Nigeria struggles in fifth.
• Group I: Ghana tops the table, three points clear.
• Group A: Egypt maintains a four-point lead.
• Group G: Algeria and Mozambique neck-and-neck on points.

The road to the World Cup is fraught with challenges, but the drama and excitement of African qualifiers continue to captivate fans across the continent.

Mimi Mefo Info