By Jimmy
Rwanda’s 2-0 victory over South Africa has boosted the chances of the struggling Super Eagles of Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Recall that the Super Eagles started their campaign on a bad note, recording 1-1 draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe respectively. South Africa’s contrasting victory in the qualification series sent panic to the Nigerian camp, as the Bafana Bafana are seen as Nigeria’s main rival in Group C.
On Thursday, November 21, the South African team played against the lowly-rated Rwanda, and victory would have seen them well clear at the top. Interestingly, though, goals from Gilbert Mugisha and Innocent Nshuti saw the Amavubi Stars take all three points at the Huye Stadium in Butare, Rwanda.
Thanks to the victory, South Africa is no longer in control of Group C after picking up three points from their first two games, as they are now second. Rwanda now leads the group with four points. Nigeria is in third place with two points.
Due to goals advantage, Lesotho and Zimbabwe are tied for third place with the same number of points as Nigeria. Benin Republic is last with just a point.
SEE: FIFA World Cup: Reasons that may prevent Super Eagles from featuring in next tournament
The next round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers will begin in June 2024 after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast from January to February 2024.
In June, the Super Eagles will attempt to take advantage of the current standings in Group C by defeating South Africa in Nigeria.
If the Super Eagles, who have recorded two draws in their first two 2026 World Cup qualifiers, suffer a draw or a defeat against the Bafana Bafana in June, their hopes of qualifying for the tournament will become almost non-existent.
