World Cup 2026 qualifying: Nigeria suffer setback, Jordan Ayew hits Ghana hat-trick

Nigeria’s 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign suffered another setback as they lost to Benin, while Jordan Ayew marked his 100th cap with a hat-trick to inspire a 4-3 Ghana victory over Central African Republic.

The Super Eagles have just three points from four matches in Group C after Benin came from behind to win 2-1, with coach Gernot Rohr inflicting defeat on his former employers.

Ayew put Ghana ahead against Central African Republic with an early penalty, but the Black Stars trailed 2-1 at the break after the visitors took advantage of defensive frailties.

The Crystal Palace forward netted twice in the second half and the West Africans eventually saw out a win to go top of Group I, with Louis Mafouta’s treble for CAR in vain.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah salvaged a 1-1 draw for Egypt against Guinea-Bissau to ensure the Pharaohs remain unbeaten at the summit of Group A, and Algeria also avoided a potential shock by recovering from a goal down to beat Uganda 2-1 in Kampala.

The nine group winners at the end of the 10-game campaign will all seal spots at the expanded 2026 World Cup, while a 10th African side could reach the finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada via an intercontinental tournament.

The fourth round of matches culminates on Tuesday, after which the qualifiers will resume again in March 2025.