NFF Eyes Rwanda Upset as Nigeria’s World Cup Fate Hangs in Balance

NFF Eyes Rwanda Upset as Nigeria’s World Cup Fate Hangs in Balance

By Admin 

As Nigeria’s Super Eagles prepare for their final fixtures in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is quietly banking on Rwanda to disrupt the standings in Group C and boost Nigeria's qualification hopes, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Rwanda will host Benin Republic in Kigali next week in a crucial penultimate round fixture. A victory for Rwanda would level them on 14 points with Benin Republic and South Africa, currently joint group leaders. Nigeria, tied with Rwanda on 11 points, needs wins in both remaining games and favourable results elsewhere to stay in contention for the sole qualification ticket from the group.

NFF Hopes Rwanda Can Shake Up Group C

A senior NFF official, speaking on condition of anonymity to The Guardian, said the federation is optimistic that Rwanda’s competitive spirit could complicate the final standings.

 “Many people have written off Rwanda and handed the group to South Africa, especially since their last two matches are at home against Zimbabwe and Rwanda,” the official said. “But Rwanda has their own ambition. If they beat Benin, they will go into the final game believing they can still qualify. That’s the kind of pressure we hope can help.”

He stressed that Nigeria’s focus must remain on winning their own matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic which would take them to 17 points.

“Criticism of the NFF has been harsh. Some things, like Zimbabwe and Lesotho choosing South Africa as their home base, are beyond our control. These are sovereign decisions,” he added. “But truly, we wouldn't be in this situation if the team had done its job especially in home games. Failing to beat Zimbabwe at home is inexcusable.”

Logistics in Place for Lesotho Clash

The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Lesotho on October 10 in Polokwane, South Africa. The NFF has made arrangements for the team's early arrival in Johannesburg to ensure smooth transit to Polokwane, which is approximately four hours away by air.

Nigeria will then return to Uyo for their final group match against Benin Republic on October 14. FIFA has appointed Egyptian referee Omar Amin Mohammed to officiate the match, with Mahmoud Ahmed Kamel and Ali Ahmed Tawfik Teleb serving as assistant referees. Moustafa Elbana will be the fourth official, while Jason Joseph Damoo of Seychelles has been named referees' assessor. Prosper Harrison Addo (Ghana) will act as match commissioner, with Xolile Nokuthula Vilakati (Eswatini) as security officer.