LAGOS, Oct. 14 (AGCNewsNet) — Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been rekindled after Rwanda’s head coach, Adel Amrouche, sent a bold message to South Africa ahead of their decisive Group C clash on Tuesday.

South Africa currently sit second in the group with 15 points, just one ahead of Nigeria, while group leaders Benin Republic top the table with 17 points. The Super Eagles must defeat Benin in Uyo and rely on Rwanda to stop South Africa to secure their ticket to the World Cup.

Despite Rwanda being mathematically out of contention, Amrouche has vowed that his team will not go down without a fight.

“We are disappointed because we wanted to win that match,” he said, referring to Rwanda’s 1-0 home loss to Benin last Friday. “But this is football. What matters now is our reaction, and I can assure you, we will not go down easily against South Africa. We will fight for every ball.”

Amrouche emphasized that the encounter in Johannesburg will be about pride and identity rather than qualification hopes.

“It’s not over until the final whistle,” he added. “This is about dignity, identity, and the Rwandan spirit. South Africa will meet a team that refuses to give up.”

For Nigerian fans, Amrouche’s words offer a glimmer of optimism. The Super Eagles, who missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, are determined to return to the global stage after a turbulent qualifying campaign.

Nigeria have never lost to Benin Republic at home and will look to maintain that record when the two sides meet in Uyo on Tuesday.

If Rwanda manage to hold or defeat South Africa, and Nigeria claim victory in Uyo, the Super Eagles will book their place at the 2026 World Cup.

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