Hope for Nigeria as Rwanda shock South Africa in World cup qualifiers

Rwanda pulled one of the biggest shocks of the Africa qualifying series for the 2024 World Cup when they beat South Africa 2-0 on Tuesday.

With Nigeria getting two points from their first two games in Group C of the qualifiers, the fears of a second consecutive World Cup miss was on the horizon.

But goals from Innocent Nshuti and Gilbert Mugisha ensured all three points for the Amavubi Stars at the Huye Stadium in Butare, Rwanda.

The win means South Africa did not pick up six points from two games which could have them firmly in control of the group. But victory for Rwanda puts them top of the lot with four points. Bafana Bafana are second with three points while Nigeria are third with two points.

Lesotho and Zimbabwe occupy third place with the same points as Nigeria but have scored fewer goals. Benin Republic is last with one point.

After two matches, the next round of games in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers will take place in June 2024. Nigeria will welcome South Africa in a crucial encounter, hoping to revive their dreams of making the global competition after missing out in the 2022 edition.

But before then, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held early next year in Cote d’Ivoire.

Quadri Olaitan