Nigeria, in desperate need of maximum points, continue their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign this week when they square up against Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday, March 21, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles, having endured a poor start to their qualifying campaign with no wins in their first four games, currently face the risk of missing out on a place in football’s biggest tournament for the second consecutive time.
Meanwhile, Rwanda, who sit top of qualifying group C after recording two wins, one draw and one loss from their first four games, are nursing hopes of making their first ever World Cup appearance at the Mundial set to be hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.
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Match Preview: Nigeria’s journey so far
Nigeria find themselves second from bottom in group C after failing to win any of their four matches, recording three draws and one defeat.
Their qualifying campaign started with two frustrating 1-1 home draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Semi Ajayi rescued a point for Nigeria after being stunned by Lesotho. While Kelechi Iheanacho salvaged a result against the Warriors in their second game.
Another setback saw Nigeria forced to once again come from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against South Africa, courtesy of Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s first international goal. They then squandered a 1-0 lead and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Benin, leaving them with three points from four games.
Having already missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Super Eagles now risk failing to qualify for back-to-back tournaments for the first time since making their debut back in 1994.
Match Preview: Rwanda’s journey so far
Rwanda have enjoyed a very strong start to their qualifying campaign, recording two wins, one draw and one defeat to top group C with seven points thanks to their superior goal difference.
The Amavubi began their campaign with a goalless draw against Zimbabwe before orchestrating a massive upset with a 2-0 victory over South Africa, courtesy of goals from Gilbert Mugisha and Innocent Nshuti.
A narrow 1-0 loss to Benin Republic came next, but the Wasps responded with a hard-fought win over Lesotho in their fourth game.
Team news: Nigeria
The Super Eagles will have their third gaffer, Eric Chelle, in charge since the qualifiers began after getting rid of Jose Peseiro and Finidi George within that time.
Chelle has named a 23-man squad, including four new faces in Tolu Arokodare (Genk), Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague) and goalkeeper Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars).
Familiar faces like Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, Stanley Nwabali, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey among a host of others also made the cut.
Team news: Rwanda
Rwanda also head into this tie with a new head coach after failing to renew the contract of former boss Torstein Spittler. Vastly experienced Belgian-Algerian manager Adel Amrouche will lead the Wasps as they look to sting the Super Eagles.
Amrouche’s 28-man squad features notable returnees including attacking midfielder Djabel Manishimwe, Anicet Ishimwe (Olympique Béja, Tunisia), Jojea Kwizera (Rhode Island FC, USA), Hakim Sahabo (Beerschot, Belgium) and York Rafael (ZED, Egypt).
In-form Rwanda based center-forward Yves Habimana has also earned his first call-up after putting up impressive numbers in the domestic top-flight.
Head-to-Head
Nigeria and Rwanda have met on seven occasions in the past. In those encounters, the Super Eagles have won twice, drawn four times and suffered one defeat.
Their most recent encounter, which came back in November 2023 saw the Amavubi secure their first ever win over Nigeria with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Predicted lineups
Nigeria: Nwabali, Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi, Ndidi, Onyedika, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Lookman, Osimhen.
Rwanda: Ntwari, Omborenga, Manzi, Mutsinzi, Imanishimwe, Bizimana, B. Mugisha, Dushimimana, Ruboneka, G. Mugisha, Nshuti.
Key players
Key players for the Super Eagles include Troost-Ekong, Ndidi, Iwobi, Lookman and Osimhen. The performance of these players, good or bad, will have a huge impact on the outcome of this game for Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Amavubi will look to the likes of Skipper Bizimana, Imanishimwe, B. Mugisha and Nshuti for inspiration as they look to secure a second consecutive victory over the Super Eagles.
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