BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Just as it happened two decades ago, Nigeria’s World Cup hopes now rest in the hands of Rwanda. The Super Eagles must not only defeat Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday, the final match day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series, but also hope that Rwanda can hold or beat South Africa in their decisive encounter.
This situation mirrors the dramatic climax of the 2006 World Cup qualifying series, when Nigeria also depended on Rwanda to do them a favour.
On that fateful October 8 day, the Super Eagles crushed Zimbabwe 5–1 at the Abuja National Stadium, but in Kigali, where the team’s hopes rested, Angola snatched a late winner against the hosts.
That goal proved fatal for Nigeria’s campaign. Both Nigeria and Angola finished level on points, but the Angolans advanced to Germany 2006 on a superior head-to-head record — despite Nigeria’s better goal difference.
Now, twenty years later, history threatens to repeat itself. Once again, Rwanda stand between Nigeria and a World Cup ticket — this time with South Africa in place of Angola.
Nigerian fans will be hoping that, unlike in 2005, fortune finally smiles on the Super Eagles when the final whistle blows on Tuesday.
