November 15, (THEWILL) – In the opening match of the 2026 World Cup African qualifying campaign, Rwanda and Zimbabwe played to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday. The match, played at Stade Huye Stadium in Rwanda, saw the home side fail to capitalise on their advantage against the Warriors.
The result leaves Nigeria in a prime position in Group C. With matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe approaching, the Super Eagles can claim an early lead with victories in both. Nigeria will face Lesotho on Wednesday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Having missed out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Super Eagles will be hungry to book their place at the 2026 tournament to be hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico. Coach Jose Peseiro will expect nothing less than that from his talented squad.
Rwanda and Zimbabwe now sit on one point each after their opener. The other Group C teams, South Africa and Benin Republic, are set to play later on Wednesday in a crucial match for the early standings in the group.
Nigeria will look to make a statement against Lesotho and set the pace in the group. With their eyes on redemption, the Super Eagles appear poised to quickly progress to the later rounds of the African qualifiers.