World Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles gain advantage as Zimbabwe and Rwanda share spoils in group opener

The Super Eagles of Nigeria take on Lesotho on Thursday in the first game of their World Cup qualifiers, and they already have a slight advantage

Nigeria’s Group C opponents Rwanda and Zimbabwe played out a goalless draw in their first group game of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Soccernet reports.

Nigeria are in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers alongside Rwanda, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Lesotho, and Benin Republic.

The group’s first game was played on Wednesday, with Rwanda welcoming Zimbabwe to the Stade Huye Stadium. Rwanda were slight favourites because of their home advantage. But they failed to utilise it as they settled for a goalless draw.

This puts Nigeria in a good position, as they need to beat Lesotho to climb to the top of the group, albeit the result of the game between South Africa and Benin would also matter.

The Super Eagles play Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Wednesday, and they are huge favourites to win the tie because of their pedigree and gulf in quality.

In the last two meetings between both sides, Nigeria have scored three goals at least, and Super Eagles fans will not expect anything less this time.

Nigeria failed to qualify for last year’s Mundial. But this time, Jose Peseiro and his lads will be looking to wrap up the qualification as soon as possible and book their spot in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.