2026 WCQ: Calculations and permutations begin as Rwanda gives Eagles lifeline by beating South Africa but fans are unimpressed

Another season of calculations and permutations begins on Tuesday among football crazy Nigerians as Rwanda's 2-0 defeat of South Africa gives Our Boy hope of qualifying for the FIFA 2026 World Cup after their woeful performances against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in their opening games.

Rwanda gave Nigeria the best gift of the year after the Wasps claimed an impressive 2-0 win over South Africa on matchday two of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Having defeated Benin Republic 2-1 on home soil, South Africa was looking to bag another three points against Rwanda and extend their lead over Nigeria to four points.

Rwanda, however, had other motivations, and the Wasps executed their plans perfectly within the opening half-hour inside the Huye Stadium in Butare.

Innocent Nshuti gave the home side the lead in the 12th minute when he raced to a ball over the top and lashed a low effort into goalkeeper Ronwen Williams’s bottom right corner.

South Africa had barely recovered from that shock opener when the Wasps stung the Bafana Bafana again.

Gilbert Mugisha pounced on a defensive error inside the penalty area to expertly slot home a nice finish that doubled the advantage for the hosts.

South Africa battled hard in search of a comeback in the second half but a resolute Rwandan defence yielded no ground for even a consolation goal.

The win against one of the group favourites catapulted Rwanda to the top of Group C with four points from two games.

South Africa are in second with three points, one more than Nigeria in third.

It would be recalled that Nigeria claimed two disappointing 1-1 draws with Lesotho and Zimbabwe, respectively.

But the Super Eagles have found themselves in a good spot ahead of their matchday three clash with South Africa in June 2024.

A win for Nigeria in that encounter will send the three-time African champions above the Bafana Bafana in Group C.

In the other group match, Lesotho held Gernot Rohr and Benin to a goalless draw in Durban. Mixed reactions trail S’Africa’s loss

“Rwanda beating South Africa 2-0 gives Nigeria’s Super Eagles a chance to get back on track in the #2026WCQ race. I hope we don’t drop the ball again by the time we face Bafana Bafana in June 2024,”

Another Nigerian, identifying himself simply as Olajire, echoes hope, writing, “South Africa has lost, we can still qualify.”

However, amidst the optimism, there are voices of caution and skepticism. Randy Ighalo remains wary as he does not buy into the idea that the win for the Amavubi is a win for the Eagles.

“Rwanda beat South Africa we are happy, so in our mind, we have a chance, and we think that Rwanda helped us beat South Africa? until you see Rwanda at the World Cup,” Ighalo wrote.

Similarly, Olakunle Seun casts doubt on Nigeria’s advantage, questioning, “Is it really a favour? Can we beat Rwanda? Every man for himself o,” he stated raising concerns about Nigeria’s capabilities against Rwanda in the forthcoming fixtures.

However, Bimbo Adeola believes the outcome is better than an alternative scenario where South Africa would have amassed more points.

“I think it’s better than South Africa winning, that would have given them a massive 6 points,” Adeola remarked, reflecting on the potential consequences of a different result.

Conversely, Edwin James expressed surprise at South Africa’s performance, stating, “And I was thinking that Super Eagles were finished, I never knew that South Africa is a joke team.”

Additionally, Chuma Ogbonna displayed frustration at the complexities of Nigeria whenever faced with qualification scenarios.

“Chai!! These permutations again. Nigeria should allow SA and Rwanda to qualify rather than be a spoiler. We all know the Eagles have stopped flying,” Ogbonna explained.