Super Eagles are preparing for a pivotal encounter as they host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Saturday evening, in round seven of the 2026 CAF World Cup qualifiers.
In Group C, the Super Eagles find themselves in a precarious fourth position with seven points, six behind leaders South Africa.
Rwanda sit just above them in second place, level on eight points with Benin, making this clash vital for both sides.
Match Preview
The pressure is squarely on Nigeria. Despite their rich footballing history, the three-time African champions face the real possibility of missing the World Cup for a second consecutive cycle.
After failing to qualify for Qatar 2022, falling to Ghana on away goals in the playoffs, Nigeria have struggled to find consistency in this expanded qualifying campaign.
Following a strong showing at the 2024 AFCON, expectations were high for the Super Eagles to assert themselves. Yet, they stumbled early, failing to win in their opening two qualifiers.
Their woes extended to four matches when Benin handed them their first loss of the campaign in June, leading to the resignation of former coach Finidi George.
Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen reignited some hope, guiding Nigeria to 2025 AFCON qualification, and the appointment of Eric Chelle initially lifted optimism.
The Malian manager started with a 2-0 victory in Rwanda, but a disappointing 1-1 draw against bottom-placed Zimbabwe at home soon stalled any momentum.
With a daunting trip to South Africa looming in four days, Saturday’s fixture represents a critical opportunity to turn the tide.
Nigeria also carry the burden of their underwhelming performance at the African Nations Championship in August, where Chelle’s home-based squad exited in the group stage after a 1-0 loss to Senegal and a 4-0 defeat to Sudan. A 2-0 win over Congo offered some respite, marking the first 90-minute victory since a friendly win over Ghana last June.
Rwanda, under coach Adel Amrouche, have endured a turbulent year. Since losing 2-0 to Nigeria in the qualifiers, the Wasps suffered consecutive 2-0 friendly defeats to Algeria, extending a winless run to four games (D1 L3).
Their qualifying campaign has been mixed, with victories, draws, and losses balancing out. Though automatic qualification is slipping away, Rwanda’s defensive record is solid, having conceded only four goals, though their attack has struggled to find the net.
The visitors will also take confidence from a rare triumph in Uyo, where they defeated Nigeria 2-1 in last year’s AFCON qualifiers.
Rwanda’s remaining fixtures, including a neutral-ground clash with Zimbabwe in Johannesburg, and matches against Benin and South Africa, mean Saturday’s game is critical.
Team News
Chelle has named a 23-man squad for the double-header against Rwanda and South Africa, mostly composed of Europe-based stars.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali returns after missing a June friendly against Russia, while captain William Troost-Ekong will lead the defense without Semi Ajayi, who is sidelined. Chidozie Awaziem is expected to step in.
Midfield selection is highly competitive, with Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Christantus Uche all contending for starting roles.
In attack, Victor Osimhen carries the bulk of Nigeria’s scoring hopes, having netted three of the last four qualifying goals. CAF Player of the Year Ademola Lookman is also expected to feature despite limited playing time at Atalanta this season.
Rwanda’s 27-man squad for the double-header includes six newcomers alongside regulars. Notable absences include Lague Byiringiro, Clement Niyigena, Samuel Gueulette, and Hakim Sahabo. Amrouche is likely to field a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation that can transition to 5-4-1.
Fiacre Ntwari will start in goal, with Ange Mutsinzi and Thierry Manzi anchoring central defense and captain Djihad Bizimana providing midfield cover.
Nigeria possible lineup: Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Fredrick, Bassey; Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Simon; Dessers, Osimhen.
Rwanda possible lineup: Ntwari; Niyomugabo, Manzi, Mutsinzi, Ngwabije, Omborenga; Mugisha, Niyigena, Hamon, Bizimana; Kagere.
Historically, the two nations have met eight times. Nigeria have won three encounters, while Rwanda’s only victory came last year in Uyo.
With experience and pedigree on their side, the Super Eagles are firm favourites to claim the three points, but a determined Rwandan side promises a challenging test.