Former Super Eagles defender Ben Iroha says Nigeria’s senior national team still have a fighting chance of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following FIFA’s sanction on South Africa.

The Bafana Bafana were docked three points and three goals after fielding an ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena, in their qualifier against Lesotho, throwing Group C wide open.

Benin Republic now top the table with 14 points, edging South Africa on goal difference, while Nigeria sit third on 11 points with two matches left to play.

Speaking from his base in Texas, USA, the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning assistant coach welcomed FIFA’s ruling.

“It’s justice served in the right direction,” Iroha told Completesports.com.

He continued, “It shows FIFA as an impartial judge and protects the integrity of its rules and competitions.

“This pronouncement was long expected, and the suspense has finally been erased. It now offers the Super Eagles a ‘mathematical chance’ of making it to the 2026 World Cup finals.”

Nigeria’s path remains steep, but Iroha insists the team still has a route.

“The Eagles must beat Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 and then defeat Benin Republic in Uyo on October 14. That would take their tally to 17 points.

“They would then need South Africa to drop points in one of their two home fixtures against Zimbabwe or Rwanda. If that happens, Nigeria could sneak through on goal difference or the head-to-head rule against Benin,” he explained.

Iroha also pointed out that Benin’s run-in favours Nigeria.

“The Squirrels have two away games, in Rwanda and then in Uyo against Nigeria. That schedule is a setback for them and an advantage for us.

“It improves the Eagles’ chances of at least finishing second and possibly taking one of the ‘best four losers’ slots," he added.

With only two rounds of fixtures left, Group C qualification remains delicately poised. Benin and South Africa lead on 14 points, while Nigeria and Rwanda trail on 11 apiece. Lesotho, despite its award-winning win, remains an outsider.