Relief for Nigeria as Rwanda beat South Africa in 2026 World Cup qualifier
Nigeria will be relieved with the 2-0 defeat of South Africa by Rwanda in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, November 21.
After consecutive 1-1 draws vs Lesotho and Zimbabwe, the Super Eagles faced danger of falling four-points behind South Africa if they win vs Rwanda.
On Tuesday, November 21, Rwanda welcomed the Bafana Bafana of South Africa to the Huye Stadium in Bature, same venue the Eagles faced Zimbabwe on Sunday.
In the 12th minute, Innocent Nshuti fired Rwanda in-front with a right-footed shot from outside the area.
That lead was doubled in the 28th minute when Gilbert Mugisha found the net from inside the Bafana Bafana penalty area.
The visitors who defeated Benin Republic on match-day one to lead the standings toiled in vain search for an equalizer but were resisted by Rwanda until the expiration of regulation time in Bature.
It finished Rwanda 2-0 South Africa, the Amavubi taking top-spot in group C of the qualifying series with four points.
While Rwanda will enjoy the pleasure of top-spot until action resumes next-year, South Africa are second placed with 3-points while Nigeria occupy third place with two points after two matchday’s.
The two-points gap away from top spot will be a huge relief for the Super Eagles of Nigeria who will welcome South Africa to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo when the qualification series reumes in 2024.
In the other group C game decided on Tuesday, November 21, the Crocodiles of Lesotho played out a 0-0 draw vs Benin Republic managed by former Super Eagles of Nigeria coach Genot Rohr,
Zimbabwe are fourth in group C with two points, with Lesotho in fourth place. Benin Republic occupy bottom place with a single point after two games.
The group winner will get automatic qualification for the enlarged 2026 FIFA World Cup competition to be hosted by three countries.
