South Africa point deduction saga, Nigeria frustrating draw and other highlights
Story Highlights
- Super Eagles’ dreams suffer setback in World Cup 2026 race
- South Africa point deductions under scrutiny
- Other World Cup Qualifying Matches
- Argentina’s Convincing Victory Over Brazil in World Cup Qualifier
- Ødegaard’s Hat-Trick of Assists
- Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid
Sports news is buzzing with thrilling performances, unexpected upsets, and major transfer speculations. From Nigeria’s struggles in Group C to Argentina’s dominant win over Brazil, the football scene is as intense as ever. Meanwhile, Norway’s Martin Ødegaard put on a playmaking masterclass, and Real Madrid’s pursuit of Trent Alexander-Arnold is gaining momentum. Here’s a comprehensive look at the latest in sports news.
Super Eagles’ dreams suffer setback in World Cup 2026 race
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals suffered a setback yesterday after the Warriors of Zimbabwe scored a last-minute equalizer in their Matchday 6 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Victor Osimhen, playing his 40th match for Nigeria, scored in the 73rd minute, capitalizing on Olaoluwa Aina’s cross from the left that escaped every Zimbabwean defender. However, Zimbabwe’s equalizer in stoppage time meant Nigeria’s qualification hopes are now hanging by a thread.
The result meant the Super Eagles are still stuck in fourth place in Group C, as leaders South Africa put daylight between themselves and the rest of the pack with a mature 2-0 win over Benin Republic in Abidjan, taking them to 13 points.
Benin Republic’s Cheetahs and Rwanda’s Amavubi are both on eight points, one more than the Super Eagles, with four rounds of matches left to be played over the months of September and October.
However, South Africa’s lead may be in jeopardy as FIFA is reviewing a case of fielding an ineligible player in an earlier match. If points are deducted, their position in the group could be compromised, potentially boosting Nigeria’s qualification chances.
Group C Standings (Pending FIFA’s Decision):
- South Africa – 13 points (possible deduction pending review)
- Benin Republic – 8 points
- Rwanda – 8 points
- Nigeria – 7 points
- Zimbabwe – 5 points
- Lesotho – 3 points
South Africa points are under scrutiny due to an eligibility violation. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena played against Lesotho despite accumulating two yellow cards in previous matches, warranting a one-match suspension. If found guilty, South Africa could forfeit the match and lose three points.FIFA regulations mandate that players with two yellow cards in separate matches serve a suspension in the following game. Fielding Mokoena breached these rules, potentially leading to disciplinary action, including forfeiture of points from the Lesotho match.This mirrors past incidents, such as in 2013 when Ethiopia was stripped of three points after fielding an ineligible player during a World Cup qualifier against Botswana, significantly impacting their qualification campaign.South African football authorities have yet to issue an official statement. A potential points deduction could alter Group C standings, affecting South Africa’s World Cup qualification prospects.
Sports news: 2026 WCQ: Beat Rwanda, Zimbabwe – NFF charges Super Eagles
Other World Cup Qualifying Matches
- Group A: Egypt secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Sierra Leone, with Zizo scoring in first-half stoppage time. This win places Egypt at the top of Group A with 16 points, five ahead of Burkina Faso.
- Group D: Cape Verde continues to lead the group after a victory over Angola, with Cameroon closely following.
- Group B: Democratic Republic of Congo now tops the group after defeating Mauritania, surpassing Senegal.
Argentina’s Convincing Victory Over Brazil in World Cup Qualifier
Argentina secured a dominant 4-1 win against Brazil in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match at Estadio Más Monumental in Buenos Aires. Despite the absence of key players Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez, Argentina displayed exceptional teamwork and efficiency. Julián Álvarez opened the scoring in the 4th minute, followed by Enzo Fernández in the 12th minute. Brazil briefly responded with a goal in the 26th minute, but Argentina extended their lead with goals from Alexis Mac Allister in the 37th minute and Giuliano Simeone in the 71st minute saw Argentina cruise past their arch-rivals despite missing Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez.. This victory not only solidified Argentina’s position atop the South American qualifiers but also ensured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
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Ødegaard’s Hat-Trick of Assists
In their recent World Cup qualifying match on March 25, 2025, Norway secured a 4-2 victory over Israel at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary. Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard was instrumental in the win, providing three assists. Strikers Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth each contributed goals, with Haaland marking his 40th international goal in his 41st appearance. This result places Norway at the top of Group I with six points, following their earlier 5-0 win over Moldova. Their next significant challenge is a home game against Italy on June 6.
Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid?
Speculation is mounting over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future, with Real Madrid actively pursuing the Liverpool right-back. According to The Times, the Spanish giants have been in talks with Alexander-Arnold since January, aiming to sign him on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer. Liverpool, however, is keen to extend his stay and has been negotiating a contract renewal. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that while Real Madrid is confident in securing Alexander-Arnold’s services, Liverpool has made it clear that he is not for sale and is focusing on retaining key players like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
Sports news: Super Eagles Soar Past Rwanda: Victor Osimhen’s Brace Sparks World Cup Hopes
