Rwanda vs Nigeria: Osimhen and four other Super Eagles to watch in crucial World Cup qualifier

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to face the Wasps of Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualification clash, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions will be looking to revive their World Cup hopes when they take on the Amavubi in Kigali.

The group leaders have bigger challenges ahead, while Nigeria, having secured only three points from three draws and a loss, must turn things around.

Ahead of the game, a few key players are expected to make a difference for Eric Chelle’s side. Here are five Super Eagles stars to watch.

Victor Osimhen

The Nigerian forward, who has equaled Segun Odegbami’s 23-goal record in the Super Eagles’ all-time scoring chart, will aim to build on his impressive international form. Last November, he netted a crucial goal to secure Nigeria’s AFCON ticket in Morocco.

Currently in top form at Galatasaray, Osimhen has scored 26 goals and provided five assists in 30 matches. Fans will be hoping he replicates this scoring form for the national team and plays a decisive role in Nigeria’s quest for victory against Rwanda.

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• Rwanda vs Nigeria: Match preview, team news, kick-off time, possible lineup as Super Eagles face Amavubi

Stanley Nwabali

Nwabali’s heroic displays at the 2023 AFCON remain fresh in the minds of Nigerian football fans, and the Chippa United captain will be key in Nigeria’s must-win encounter.

At club level, Nwabali has kept seven clean sheets in 22 games this season. For the Super Eagles, he has also recorded seven clean sheets in 17 matches, though his last outing ended in a disappointing 2-1 loss to Benin Republic.

However, the shot-stopper will be eager to redeem himself and play a crucial role in Nigeria’s revenge mission against Rwanda.

Calvin Bassey

Bassey has been solid at the heart of Fulham’s defence, making crucial interventions and even contributing from set pieces. Notably, he scored an important goal against Manchester United, helping his club progress in the FA Cup.

The energetic defender will look to carry his club form into the game against Rwanda, to provide stability at the back while also offering an attacking threat when needed.

Ademola Lookman

All eyes will be on the 2024 CAF Player of the Year to make an impact when Nigeria takes on Rwanda in Kigali. The Super Eagles forward has been in stellar form, scoring 18 goals in 32 matches for Atalanta this season.

With six international goals to his name, Lookman will be eager to add more as he helps Nigeria push for World Cup qualification. His creativity and goal-scoring ability make him a key player to watch.

William Troost-Ekong

With Ahmed Musa absent, Troost-Ekong will captain the Super Eagles against Rwanda. The former Watford defender is a strong leader at the heart of Nigeria’s defence and will be expected to organize the backline while nullifying the threats posed by the Rwandan attack.

His leadership and experience will be crucial as Nigeria looks to bounce back and keep their qualification hopes alive.