By KUNLE SOLAJA, Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat

Morocco have once again underlined their dominance in African football. They became the first nation from the continent to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They accomplished this in emphatic fashion.

The Atlas Lions secured a 5-0 victory over Niger Republic in Rabat on Saturday. This match marked their first outing at the newly refurbished Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. It was a statement victory.

The result sealed their place at the expanded 48-team finals with two qualifying matches still to play.

With Eritrea’s withdrawal reducing Group E to five teams, Morocco’s qualification was always within reach.

But their ruthless demolition of Niger left no doubts about their intent. The stadium was filled to capacity. It roared on Achraf Hakimi and his teammates. They produced a dazzling display befitting their status as Africa’s top-ranked side.

Ismael Saibari opened the scoring in the 20th minute from Youssef Belammari’s cross. He doubled the lead just before half-time by tapping in Hakimi’s cutback.

 Ayoub El Kaabi added a third shortly after the restart from another Belammari assist, while substitute Hamza Igamane grabbed his maiden international goal from a clever corner routine.

Azzedine Ounahi put the icing on the cake with a curling strike to complete the rout.

The comfortable win means Morocco’s remaining fixtures — an away trip to Zambia and a home tie against Congo — are now mere formalities.

Saturday’s occasion carried added symbolism: it was not only Morocco’s first match at the redeveloped Moulay Abdellah Complex, but also a showcase of the stadium that will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final and later serve as a venue when the kingdom co-hosts the 2030 World Cup.

Eight other group winners will join Morocco in booking automatic spots for 2026, while the four best runners-up will head into play-offs for a chance at an intercontinental berth.

This day will remain etched in the annals of Moroccan football. With this resounding victory, the Atlas Lions have secured their place in the World Cup for the third consecutive time and the seventh in their history.

Walid Regragui’s men needed just one point to formalise their qualification. They ultimately collected three, and in style, to the delight of the tens of thousands of fans in the stands and millions more watching.

 With 18 points from six matches, they sit atop Group E, now out of reach of their pursuers.

The inauguration of the Moulay Abdellah Complex, which hosted its first match after a complete reconstruction, transformed the evening into a veritable popular celebration. By 4 p.m., Moroccan fans had invaded the grounds and stands of the stadium, coloring the stadium red and green, and giving their voices relentlessly.

On the pitch, Achraf Hakimi’s teammates put on a show, while in the stands, chants, tifos and flags created a grandiose scene, worthy of a great football evening.Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

By KUNLE SOLAJA.

Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has grown increasingly complicated after the latest round of Group C qualifiers produced results that tilted the balance firmly against the Super Eagles.

South Africa, already leading the group, reinforced their dominance with a routine 3-0 win over Lesotho in Bloemfontein.

Though officially a Lesotho “home game,” the tie was staged in South Africa — and Bafana Bafana took full advantage.

That victory lifted them to 16 points, creating a commanding gap at the top of the table.

In Abidjan, Benin Republic kept their campaign alive with a narrow 1-0 triumph over Zimbabwe, moving to 11 points and leapfrogging Nigeria in the standings.

The result means that even if the Super Eagles defeat Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday, they will only climb to 10 points — still trailing Benin and a daunting six points adrift of South Africa.

The real crunch lies ahead: Nigeria must then travel to Blomfontein for a decisive away clash against the group leaders.

Anything short of victory would effectively hand South Africa an unassailable advantage, especially with the rest of their fixtures scheduled at home.

For a Nigerian side already under scrutiny after a string of unconvincing performances, the permutations underline just how perilous their situation has become. Saturday’s meeting with Rwanda is no longer just about three points — it is about keeping their fading World Cup hopes alive.

By KUNLE SOLAJA.

As Nigeria prepare to host Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday, attention in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers will first shift to Mangaung this Friday, where South Africa face Lesotho in a clash that could reshape the group’s balance of power.

Lesotho, currently fifth on six points, are still very much in contention despite their lowly position.

Their tally might have been nine had FIFA ruled on an earlier South Africa infringement, but the Crocodiles remain within touching distance of the leaders.

In a curious twist, the match—technically a Lesotho home fixture—will be staged at the Free State Stadium in South Africa.

Group leaders South Africa, on 13 points, know that victory will allow them to retain command of the section, piling pressure on Nigeria, Rwanda and Benin who play on Saturday.

For Lesotho, however, the stakes are even higher: a win would catapult them from fifth place to second before the other fixtures kick off, instantly tightening the race.

The outcome in Mangaung will ripple across the group. Nigeria, on seven points, must host Rwanda less than 24 hours later, knowing that defeat would damage their push for top spot—especially with a daunting trip to South Africa looming just three days after the Uyo showdown.

Rwanda, on eight points, face a similar scenario: Saturday’s result could either cement their challenge or leave them chasing shadows if South Africa or Lesotho edge ahead.

Benin, meanwhile, will host Zimbabwe in Abidjan also this Friday with hopes of staying alive in the qualification picture.

With only group winners guaranteed automatic tickets to the 2026 World Cup in North America, Friday’s Lesotho–South Africa encounter promises to be just as destiny-shaping as the Super Eagles’ must-win clash against Rwanda.

The next 24 hours could go a long way in defining one of Africa’s most unpredictable qualification races.

Group C Permutations – If Lesotho v South Africa…

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H