Rwanda’s national team coach, Adel Amrouche, has praised South Africa and Nigeria following their impressive finishes in the CAF World Cup qualifiers, describing both nations as worthy ambassadors of African football.
Amrouche made the remarks after his side fell 3-0 to South Africa in Johannesburg on Tuesday, a result that saw Bafana Bafana top Group C to qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The victory marked South Africa’s return to the global stage for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.
Historic feat for South African football
The win also sealed a remarkable height for South African football, as all four national teams, Bafana Bafana (senior men), Amajita (U20 men), Amajimbos (U17 men), and Banyana Banyana (senior women), have now booked places at their respective World Cups within the same cycle.
South Africa finished the qualifiers with 18 points, just one ahead of second-placed Nigeria, who earned a playoff berth after thrashing Benin Republic 4-0 in Uyo.
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen stole the spotlight with a sensational hat-trick, his third for the Super Eagles, while Brentford’s Frank Onyeka added a late goal to seal the win.
‘Africa needs strong representatives’
In his post-match comments, Amrouche commended both South Africa and Nigeria for their consistency and quality throughout the qualifiers.
“I am happy for the coach of Bafana Bafana and for all the teams, because Africa needs people who can represent us, like Nigeria, a strong team that can represent the continent at the World Cup,” Amrouche said.
He added that the responsibility now rests on both teams to uphold Africa’s reputation on the global stage.
“When you play for the continent, you must give more than what we saw in these qualifiers. You must always be at the top.”
Nigeria will now turn their focus to the continental play-offs, where they face Gabon in the semi-final on November 13 in Morocco.
The eventual winner of the mini-tournament will advance to the intercontinental play-offs for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
