The Cheetahs of Benin led by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr boosted their chances to making history by qualifying for their first-ever World Cup with a big win over Lesotho, while the Super Eagles again failed to stay in contention.
Benin regained second position in Group C on the back of a 4-0 win over Lesotho in Abidjan.
They now 14 points from eight matches, three points off leaders South Africa.
They now face two difficult games away to Rwanda and Benin next month.
The Super Eagles, on the other hand, failed to win at South Africa when they could only force a 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein.
Nigeria remain in third place on 11 points with two rounds of matches to be played next month.
They will return to Bloemfontein in the first week of October to tackle Lesotho, before a home game against Benin in Uyo days later.
South Africa could well book their spot at their fourth World Cup with a point off hosts Zimbabwe in Johannesburg and so their final group game at home to Rwanda will then be just be a mere formality.
Rwanda are fourth with 11 points, Lesotho have six points and Zimbabwe are bottom on four points.
