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The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues this week, with one of the most intriguing clashes set to take place in Kigali, Rwanda on Friday 21 March 2025.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles, struggling to find their footing in the qualifiers, face a high-stakes battle against a resurgent Rwandan side that is dreaming of a historic first-ever World Cup appearance.
"The Super Eagles job is as tough as Man Utd" ?@coacheguavoen on the pressure of being Nigerian manager! ?? pic.twitter.com/4mCGcgiimu
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Rwanda sit atop Group C with seven points, while Nigeria, the group’s highest-ranked team, are in fifth position with just three points from four games. For the Super Eagles, anything less than a win could severely dent their qualification hopes, while the Amavubi stars of Rwanda sees this as an opportunity to cement their status as serious contenders.
Rwanda’s journey in these qualifiers has been nothing short of impressive. The Amavubi started with a goalless draw against Zimbabwe before shocking South Africa with a commanding 2-0 victory. Though they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Benin Republic, they bounced back with a gritty win over Lesotho, ensuring they stayed atop the group on goal difference.
Their campaign, however, has not been without turbulence. German coach Torsten Spittler, who masterminded their strong start, left after his contract was not renewed. In his place, Rwandan football authorities appointed experienced Algerian-Belgian coach, Adel Amrouche in March. Now, Amrouche faces the daunting task of maintaining Rwanda’s momentum, with his first major test coming against Nigeria.
On the other side, Nigeria’s campaign has been a tale of frustration. The three-time African champions have failed to win a single match, drawing three and losing one. They have had to come from behind in each of their draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa before suffering a shocking 2-1 defeat to Benin.
Frequent managerial changes have added to the instability. José Peseiro, who led Nigeria to the last AFCON final to Ivory Coast departed after the tournament. His successor, Finidi George, lasted just two matches before Augustine Eguavoen took temporary charge.
Now, the Super Eagles are under the guidance of Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle, who will be hoping to turn the team’s fortunes around in his debut game.
While Nigeria’s football pedigree far outweighs Rwanda’s boasting six World Cup appearances and three AFCON titles, their meetings have often been tightly contested. In seven encounters, Nigeria have won just twice, with four draws and one defeat.
Notably, all three of Nigeria’s visits to Rwanda have ended in draws, with their only goal on Rwandan soil coming from former Nigeria international, Obafemi Martins in a 2005 World Cup qualifier.
For Rwanda, the return of attacking midfielder Djabel Manishimwe, along with Jojea Kwizera (Rhode Island FC, USA), Hakim Sahabo (Beerschot, Belgium), and striker, Yves Habimana who has been in fine form provides a boost.
What do the Super Eagles need to do to reach the 2026 World Cup? ???
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A full guide on the path to qualification ?
Nigeria, meanwhile, will rely on their star-studded attack, led by Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen, makes his first appearance in these qualifiers and will be eager to make an impact. Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Ola Aina bring experience, while new call-ups like Tolu Arokodare and Igoh Ogbu add fresh options. The likes of Victor Boniface, Bruno Onyemaechi, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Kayode Bankole, Tolu Arokodare were the early Eagles in camp and had their first training session on Tuesday.
With only the group winners guaranteed a spot in the 2026 World Cup, every point matters. A win for Rwanda would keep them in pole position, while another setback for Nigeria would leave their World Cup hopes being in danger.
Nigeria have the talent to win, but Rwanda’s solid defence having conceded just one goal in four games will be a tough nut to crack. Given Nigeria’s inconsistency and Rwanda’s recent resurgence, this could be another closely fought battle.
The question remains: Can the Super Eagles finally soar, or will the Amavubi continue their unlikely march toward history?
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