Rwanda vs Nigeria: 2026 World Cup Qualifier Match Preview

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will look to get their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign back on track when they face Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday. Eric Chelle, who was appointed head coach in January, hopes to start his reign with a crucial win in this Group C encounter.

Group C Situation

Nigeria currently sit second-bottom in Group C, with only three points after four games. They are four points behind group leaders Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin, who each have seven points. The Super Eagles can no longer afford slip-ups if they hope to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, especially after missing the last edition in Qatar.

Meanwhile, Rwanda have surprised many with their performances. Despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to Benin in June 2024, they bounced back by beating Lesotho away. The Amavubi are now joint-top of the group and aiming for another positive result at home. Their new coach, Adel Amrouche, will be on the sidelines for the first time and hopes to inspire Rwanda toward their first-ever World Cup appearance.

Nigeria’s Struggles

Nigeria’s campaign so far has been disappointing. They are winless after four matches, with three draws and one loss. The 2-1 defeat to Benin in June, despite taking the lead through Raphael Onyedika, was a major setback. Chelle’s appointment came seven months after that loss, and he is under pressure to deliver results quickly.

The Super Eagles are desperate to avoid missing a second consecutive World Cup, something that has not happened since they debuted in 1994. They are counting on key players like Victor Osimhen—African Footballer of the Year finalist in 2023—and Ademola Lookman, who won the award in 2024, to step up.

Rwanda’s Hopes

Rwanda come into this match with belief. The Wasps have conceded only one goal in qualifying so far and have shown defensive strength. Fiacre Ntwari is aiming for his fourth clean sheet. However, they are one of the lowest scorers in Group C with just three goals, scored by Innocent Nshuti, Gilbert Mugisha, and Jojea Kwizera.

With back-to-back home games, Rwanda know a win against Nigeria could put them in a strong position in the race for World Cup qualification.

Team News

Rwanda will be without Yunusu Nshimiyimana and Fitina Omborenga, who are absent following their father’s passing.

For Nigeria, Victor Osimhen returns after missing the games against South Africa and Benin due to injury. Osimhen has scored 26 goals for Galatasaray this season and will be eager to find the net in Kigali.

Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman are expected to start alongside Osimhen in attack. In defence, Nigeria will likely line up with Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi, William Troost-Ekong, and Calvin Bassey.

Possible Lineups

Rwanda XI: Ntwari; Niyigena, Mutsinzi, Manzi, Niyomugabo; Sahabo, Bizimana, Rubanguka; Rafael, 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 back in the squad, the Super Eagles should have enough quality to edge this contest.

Prediction: Rwanda 1-2 Nigeria

Chelle’s side need this win to stay in the race, and although Rwanda have been solid defensively, Nigeria’s experience and attacking talent could prove decisive.