The Super Eagles of Nigeria will look to get their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers back on track when they take on Rwanda at the Estadio Amahoro on Friday. Eric Scherer, who was appointed as head coach in January, will be hoping to start his tenure with an important win in this Group C match.
Group C Situation
Nigeria currently sits second from the bottom of Group C with just three points after four games, trailing group leaders Rwanda, South Africa and Benin who have seven points each. The Super Eagles cannot afford to make any more mistakes if they are to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, especially after missing out on the last edition in Qatar.
Rwanda, meanwhile, have surprised many with their performance. Despite a narrow 1-0 win over Benin in June 2024, they bounced back with an away win over Lesotho. Amavubi now leads the team together and is aiming for another positive result on home soil. Their new coach, Adel Amrush, will be on the sidelines for the first time, hoping to inspire Rwanda to their first World Cup appearance.
Nigeria’s difficulties
Nigeria’s season so far has been disappointing. After four games, the team has three draws and one loss, without a win. In June, a 2-1 defeat to Benin was a bitter setback despite Raphael Onyedika at the helm. Sherer’s appointment comes seven months after that defeat, and he is under pressure to deliver results quickly.
The Super Eagles are desperate to avoid missing out on a second consecutive World Cup, something they have not faced since their debut in 1994. They are relying on key players such as 2023 African Footballer of the Year finalist Victor Osimhen and 2024 winner Ademola Lookman.
Rwanda’s Hopes
Rwanda go into this match full of confidence. The Wasps have conceded just one goal in their qualifiers so far and put in a strong defensive performance. Fiacre Ntwari is aiming for his fourth clean sheet of the match. However, Innocent Nshuti, Gilbert Mugisha and Jogia Kwezera have only scored three goals, one of the lowest scoring teams in Group C.
Rwanda have played two home games in a row and they know a win over Nigeria could put the team in a strong position for the World Cup qualification campaign.
Team News
Rwanda will be without Yunusu Nshimiyimana and Fitina Omborenga, who are missing following the death of their father.
For Nigeria, Victor Osimhen returns after missing the match against South Africa, Benin who is out due to injury. Osimhen has scored 26 goals for Galatasaray this season and will be desperate to score in Kigali.
In addition to Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman are expected to start in attack. In defence, Nigeria may field Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemachi, William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey.
Possible lineups
Rwanda XI:Ntwari;Nyigna, Musinzi, Manzi, Nyomugabo;Sahab, Bizimana, Lubanga;Raphael, Nshuti, Mugisha
Nigeria XI:Nwabali;Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi;Ndidi, Onyedika, Iwobi;Samuel Chukwueze, Osimhen, Lookman
Match prediction
Nigeria have not won any of their last three matches against Rwanda, including a 2-1 home defeat in November 2024. However, with Osimhen and Lookman returning, the Super Eagles should have enough to win this match.
Prediction:Rwanda 1-2 Nigeria
Chelle’s side need this win to stay in the competition and while Rwanda’s defence is solid, Nigeria’s experience and attacking talent could be crucial.
