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The Super Eagles will return to World Cup qualifiers duty when they take on the Amavubi of Rwanda in the fifth match of the series at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday.
Newly appointed Eric Chelle will be hoping to kickstart his era with a vital victory in Kigali to revive the team’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
It has not been the best of starts for Nigeria, as they sit in fifth on the table with three points from four matches following a winless campaign so far.
Rwanda, on the other hand, enjoyed an impressive start to the race with seven points from four games to occupy the top position in Group C.
The Amavubi recorded the stunning feat under German tactician Torsten Spittler, who departed after his contract was not renewed.
The Rwandan FA appointed experienced gaffer, Adel Amrouche in March to oversee the remaining part of the series. He is no stranger to African football, having managed the likes of Burundi, Botswana, Libya, and Kenya.
Rwandans will be hoping he can wreak a miracle against Nigeria in his first competitive match in front of home supporters.
The Super Eagles began preparations for the clash on Sunday night, with players arriving from Europe to open the camp. All 23 invited players are in camp.
Chelle will be hoping that the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey can replicate their club form to lead the team to victory.
Rwanda are not as blessed as Nigeria in terms of talent, but what they lack in talent could be compensated with desire, grit and doggedness to maintain their stunning start to the qualifiers.
The last time both teams met in Uyo in November 2024, Rwanda emerged 2-1 winners in the last match of the Nations Cup qualifiers.
Rwanda vs Nigeria Team News
All 23 players in the Super Eagles are hale and hearty; barring any last-minute injury, Eric Chelle is expected to have a fully fit squad for the encounter.
The same cannot be said of their opponents, who are bereaved after the Rwanda Football Association granted permission for Fitina Omborenga, and his younger brother Yunusu Omborenga to leave the national team’s camp following the death of their father.
The siblings, who are both defenders, trained with the squad on Monday before departing that night to attend their father’s burial.
There are also no injury worries for Amrouche and his coaching crew.
Yves Habimana, who has scored eight goals and provided six assists in the Rwandan top flight, has received his first call-up.
Victor Osimhen is also expected to make his first appearance in the World Cup qualifiers.
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Head-to-Head
Both teams have met seven times, with Nigeria winning twice, Rwanda having only won once, and four clashes ending in draws.
The Super Eagles have failed to win in all their three trips to Rwanda, drawing all the matches. Nigeria’s only goal in the country was scored by Obafemi Martins in a World Cup qualifier in 2005.
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Form Guide
Rwanda: D-D-L-W-W
Nigeria: W-D-W-D-L
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Possible Line-ups
Rwanda (4-2-3-1):
Ntwari; Omborenga, Manzi, Mutsinzi, Imanishimwe; Bizimana, B. Mugisha; Dushimimana, Ruboneka, G. Mugisha; Nshuti.
Nigeria (4-4-2):
Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyedika, Iwobi, Simon; Lookman, Osimhen.
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Where To Watch
You can watch the match on NFF TV on Facebook, and YouTube, as well as on DSTV, and GOtv.
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Kick-off Time & Venue
The match will take place at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday, March 21, 2025
Kick-off is 5 p.m. Nigerian time.
Prediction: Considering how the Super Eagles struggle to score goals away from home, the tie will likely be a low-scoring affair but the Super Eagles should be able to nick the maximum points based on the quality at their disposal.
Verdict: Rwanda 1-2 Nigeria…CONTINUE READING>>>
