The Tremendous Eagles of Nigeria will look to get their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying marketing campaign again on observe after they face Rwanda on the Amahoro Stadium on Friday. Eric Chelle, who was appointed head coach in January, hopes to begin his reign with a vital win on this Group C encounter.
Group C State of affairs
Nigeria at the moment sit second-bottom in Group C, with solely three factors after 4 video games. They’re 4 factors behind group leaders Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin, who every have seven factors. The Tremendous Eagles can now not afford slip-ups in the event that they hope to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, particularly after lacking the final version in Qatar.
In the meantime, Rwanda have shocked many with their performances. Regardless of a slender 1-0 defeat to Benin in June 2024, they bounced again by beating Lesotho away. The Amavubi at the moment are joint-top of the group and aiming for an additional optimistic outcome at dwelling. Their new coach, Adel Amrouche, will probably be on the sidelines for the primary time and hopes to encourage Rwanda towards their first-ever World Cup look.
Nigeria’s Struggles
Nigeria’s marketing campaign to this point has been disappointing. They’re winless after 4 matches, with three attracts and one loss. The two-1 defeat to Benin in June, regardless of taking the lead by means of Raphael Onyedika, was a serious setback. Chelle’s appointment got here seven months after that loss, and he’s below strain to ship outcomes shortly.
The Tremendous Eagles are determined to keep away from lacking a second consecutive World Cup, one thing that has not occurred since they debuted in 1994. They’re relying on key gamers like Victor Osimhen—African Footballer of the 12 months finalist in 2023—and Ademola Lookman, who received the award in 2024, to step up.
Rwanda’s Hopes
Rwanda come into this match with perception. The Wasps have conceded just one objective in qualifying to this point and have proven defensive energy. Fiacre Ntwari is aiming for his fourth clear sheet. Nonetheless, they’re one of many lowest scorers in Group C with simply three targets, scored by Harmless Nshuti, Gilbert Mugisha, and Jojea Kwizera.
With back-to-back dwelling video games, Rwanda know a win in opposition to Nigeria may put them in a robust place within the race for World Cup qualification.
Workforce Information
Rwanda will probably be with out Yunusu Nshimiyimana and Fitina Omborenga, who’re absent following their father’s passing.
For Nigeria, Victor Osimhen returns after lacking the video games in opposition to South Africa and Benin as a result of harm. Osimhen has scored 26 targets for Galatasaray this season and will probably be keen to seek out the online in Kigali.
Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman are anticipated to begin alongside Osimhen in assault. In defence, Nigeria will possible line up with Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi, William Troost-Ekong, and Calvin Bassey.
Attainable 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 haven’t received any of their final three matches in opposition to Rwanda, together with a 2-1 dwelling defeat in November 2024. Nonetheless, with Osimhen and Lookman again within the squad, the Tremendous Eagles ought to have sufficient high quality to edge this contest.
Prediction: Rwanda 1-2 Nigeria
Chelle’s aspect want this win to remain within the race, and though Rwanda have been stable defensively, Nigeria’s expertise and attacking expertise may show decisive.