With Nigeria chasing a 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket and their qualification hopes on the line, the Super Eagles face Rwanda in a must-win away match.
Currently sitting in 5th place with just 3 points, Nigeria take on joint table leaders Rwanda, who have 7 points, hoping to revive their chances.
The hosts, Rwanda, come into this game full of confidence after their 2-1 win over Nigeria in Uyo during the AFCON qualifiers last November. Having staged a dramatic comeback in that match, Amavubi will be eager to do the double over the Super Eagles.
Meanwhile, Nigeria, still searching for their first win in the qualifiers, is desperate to turn their fortunes around, while Rwanda aims to edge closer to a historic first-ever World Cup appearance.
A win for Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium would strengthen their position at the top of Group C, while the Super Eagles are under immense pressure to turn things around.
Having missed the 2022 World Cup, Nigeria now risks missing back-to-back tournaments for the first time since making their debut appearance at USA ’94.
Head-to-Head & Recent Form
Despite Nigeria’s historical superiority, their meetings with Rwanda have often been tightly contested.
Total meetings: 7
Nigeria wins: 2
Rwanda wins: 1
Draws: 4
Nigeria’s record in Rwanda: 3 draws (never won away)
Notably, all three of Nigeria’s previous visits to Rwanda ended in draws, with their only goal in the country coming from Obafemi Martins in a 2005 World Cup qualifier.
Recent World Cup Qualifying Form:
Rwanda: D W L W
Nigeria: D D D L
Nigeria Team News
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, in his first competitive match in charge, will be aiming for a strong start. The team received a boost with the return of Victor Osimhen, who missed the last qualifiers due to injury.
The inform striker, who has netted 26 goals for Galatasaray this season, is yet to open his account in this qualifying campaign and will be hungry to find the net in Kigali.
Ademola Lookman, Africa’s reigning Player of the Year, is expected to start in attack, potentially alongside Moses Simon and Osimhen. Chelle could opt for either a three-man attack or a 4-4-2 formation depending on tactical adjustments.
Rwanda Team News
The Amavubi will be without defenders Yunusu Nshimiyimana and Fitina Omborenga, who have left the squad following the passing of their father. Despite this setback, they will be determined to maintain their momentum under newly appointed coach Adel Amrouche.
Rwanda, currently level on points with South Africa and Benin, lead the group on goal difference and will be aiming to solidify their position at the top.
Match Prediction
With both teams under new management and battling for crucial points, this encounter promises to be intense. Nigeria boasts superior individual talent, but Rwanda has shown resilience, especially at home. The Super Eagles will need to be clinical in front of goal and avoid defensive lapses that have cost them in previous games.
However, with the return of key players like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Nigeria should have enough firepower to secure a much-needed win. If Chelle’s men can execute their game plan effectively, they should come out on top.
Prediction: Rwanda 0-2 Nigeria
Match Details
Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – Africa
Fixture: Rwanda vs Nigeria
Venue: Amahoro Stadium, Kigali
Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
Kick-off Time: 5 PM (Nigerian Time)
With both sides desperate for points, this encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the race for a World Cup spot.
