The build-up to Saturday’s World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Rwanda has taken a dramatic twist after Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) president Fabrice Shema Ngoga promised the Amavubi players that he would reward them if they defeat the Super Eagles in Uyo, Footynaija.com reports.
Shema met the squad on Thursday night, September 4, during a special briefing ahead of the clash with Nigeria. In that meeting, he urged the players to believe in themselves and fight for victory, while assuring them that their long-standing complaints over unpaid bonuses had finally been addressed.
This promise adds more spice to a match that already means a lot. Rwanda currently sit third in their qualifying group, while Nigeria, led by new head coach Eric Chelle, are pushing hard after their 2–0 win over Rwanda back in March when Victor Osimhen scored both goals.
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According to a report by Umuseke, Shema confirmed that arrears totalling 75 million Rwandan francs had been cleared. The money covers match bonuses and travel allowances from 2025, including the 1–1 draw against Lesotho in June.
Players currently in camp received their payments on the spot, while those absent would have theirs transferred directly into their bank accounts by Friday, September 5.
The FERWAFA boss also addressed coaches’ concerns, promising that outstanding payments from 2024 would be settled in the near future.
While he stopped short of disclosing the exact incentives, Shema raised eyebrows by telling the squad that if they beat Nigeria and go on to win against Zimbabwe, he would “make them happy.”
The Amavubi know that an away win would not only keep their World Cup hopes alive but also silence critics who question their ability to compete with Africa’s biggest football nations.
