The Super Eagles of Nigeria are in desperate need of a turnaround as they face Rwanda in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Still searching for their first win of the campaign, Nigeria must secure victory to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Meanwhile, Rwanda is on the brink of making history, sitting atop Group C and eyeing a statement win at home.
A victory for Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium would solidify their dominance in the group, while the pressure mounts on the Super Eagles to avoid another setback in their struggling campaign.
Rwanda’s Impressive Start
Rwanda has been one of the surprise packages of the qualifiers, collecting seven points from their first four games.
They started with a goalless draw against Zimbabwe before shocking the continent with a stunning 2-0 win over South Africa.
Gilbert Mugisha and Innocent Nshuti were the heroes in that historic victory. Although they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Benin Republic, Rwanda bounced back with a hard-fought win over Lesotho, placing them at the top of the group on goal difference.
However, their campaign has been rocked by a coaching change. Torsten Spittler, who masterminded their strong start, left after his contract was not renewed.
His replacement, Algerian-Belgian coach Adel Amrouche, will be making his debut in this crucial clash.
Nigeria’s Struggles Continue
Despite being the highest-ranked team in Group C, Nigeria sits in a shocking fifth place after three draws and one defeat.
Their campaign has been riddled with frustration, beginning with a 1-1 home draw against Lesotho, where Semi Ajayi rescued a point after a second-half shocker.
A similar 1-1 draw followed away to Zimbabwe, with Kelechi Iheanacho bailing the team out. Back in Uyo, they again had to fight back for a 1-1 draw against South Africa, thanks to Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s debut goal.
Photo Credit Imago
But the worst came in June when Nigeria blew a 1-0 lead to suffer a humiliating 2-1 loss to Benin their first-ever defeat against the Cheetahs.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
To make matters worse, constant managerial changes have destabilized the team. José Peseiro led the first two qualifiers before leaving after AFCON, Finidi George lasted just two games, and Augustine Eguavoen took temporary charge.
Now, newly appointed Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle will have his hands full as he tries to steady the sinking ship.
Head-to-Head History
Despite Nigeria’s superior footballing history – three AFCON titles and six World Cup appearances – meetings with Rwanda have been anything but easy.
In seven previous encounters, Nigeria has won twice, drawn four times, and lost once. Notably, all three of Nigeria’s visits to Rwanda have ended in draws, with their only goal on Rwandan soil coming from Obafemi Martins in a 2005 World Cup qualifier.
Boniface against Rwanda in Uyo. (Photo Credit Iconsports)
The last meeting in November 2024 saw Rwanda make history, securing their first-ever win over Nigeria with a dramatic 2-1 victory in Uyo.
Team News
Rwanda
Coach Amrouche has named a 28-man squad, which will be trimmed to 23 before the match. Key returnees include Djabel Manishimwe, Jojea Kwizera (Rhode Island FC, USA), Hakim Sahabo (Beerschot, Belgium), York Rafael (ZED, Egypt), and Anicet Ishimwe (Olympique Béja, Tunisia).
Rwanda has also handed a first call-up to striker Yves Habimana, who has been in sensational form with eight goals and six assists in the Rwandan league.
Nigeria
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle named a 23-man squad featuring some fresh faces, including Tolu Arokodare (Genk), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes), and Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars).
Notable absentees include Kelechi Iheanacho, Ahmed Musa, and Taiwo Awoniyi.
However, Nigeria still boasts a lethal attack, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman – the last two winners of the African Footballer of the Year award leading the charge.
READ MORE: Rwanda vs Nigeria: Super Eagles World Cup fate on the line – Time and where to watch
Valencia forward Umar Sadiq returns from injury, while experienced players like William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Stanley Nwabali, Wilfred Ndidi, and Alex Iwobi provide stability.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella withdrew due to injury, with Gent’s Jordan Torunarigha called up as a replacement.
Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s second-highest all-time goalscorer, will be making his first appearance in the qualifiers.
Where to Watch
For fans unable to attend the match in Kigali, the game will be broadcast live on AfroSport TV, NFF TV, and various pay-TV platforms in Nigeria.
