Nigeria v Benin live: World Cup 2026 qualifier score and updates plus South Africa-Rwanda latest

60 mins: Nigeria come forward again as Sanusi dinks a ball to the back post for Osimhen – however, it just floats over the goal and out of play.

The Super Eagles are playing with confidence, but with South Africa in control of the group, has it all come too late?

57 mins: Benin have now turned to the bench as Olaitan replaces Houtondji.

Houtondji hasn’t been able to find his final product today.

55 mins: A couple of yellow cards in quick succession as Dodo enters the book for Benin, before Ajayi is cautioned for the Super Eagles.

It’s a wonderful header from the striker, latching onto a free-kick to nod in off the post, giving the Benin stopper no chance. He loves to pounce on deliveries like that.

Nigeria have done what they need to tonight.

48 mins: First proper glimpse of goal since the restart, and it goes Benin’s way.

A delightful trivela delivery aims for the head of Mounie, who does manage to get something on it but can’t direct it goalwards.

One change to note – Chukwueze has made way for Olusegun.

You’d think the Fulham man may have picked up an injury given his strong first-half performance, which saw him notch two great assists.

Moments away from a the second half between Nigeria and Benin.

A huge 45 minutes coming up.

So, this is the state of play in Group C.

South Africa are 2-0 up on Rwanda, putting them top of the pile on 18 points and in position to automatically qualify for next summer’s World Cup.

Nigeria and Benin are both on 17 points as it stands, with the Super Eagles in second on goal difference.

If it all stays like this, Nigeria will end the game as among the four best second-place finishers in African qualifying – however, this won’t be confirmed until all teams have played their final matches.

Nigeria are in control at the break, with Victor Osimhen the hero of the day so far.

The Super Eagles are flying high against Benin, but given what’s happening in South Africa, is it high enough?

45+4 mins: Strong holding of the ball from Sanusi to win a goal-kick late in the half, but it looks like he gets a nick on the ankle for his troubles.

Last few seconds of the first half.