The CAF Africa qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup resume this week, with Nigeria facing a crucial clash against Rwanda, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles, still searching for their first win in the qualifiers, will be desperate to turn their fortunes around, while the Amavubi are aiming to edge closer to a historic first-ever World Cup appearance.
A win for Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium would strengthen their position at the top of Group C, while Nigeria, ranked 44th in the world, are under pressure to improve after a poor start to the campaign.
Preview: Rwanda’s strong start
Rwanda have impressed in the qualifiers, collecting seven points from their opening four games.
They kicked off with a goalless draw against Zimbabwe before shocking the continent with a 2-0 victory over South Africa. Gilbert Mugisha and Innocent Nshuti were the scorers in that historic win.
A narrow 1-0 defeat to Benin Republic followed, but Rwanda bounced back with a hard-fought win over Lesotho in June. With a superior goal difference, they lead the group ahead of South Africa and Benin, who are also on seven points.
However, Rwanda’s qualification campaign has seen a coaching change. German tactician Torsten Spittler, who oversaw their strong start, departed after his contract was not renewed.
In his place, the Rwandan FA appointed Algerian-Belgian coach Adel Amrouche in March. The 56-year-old, who has managed Burundi, Botswana, Libya, and Kenya, will be eager to make a statement with a win over Nigeria in his debut game.
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Preview: Nigeria’s struggles
Nigeria, the highest-ranked team in Group C, sit in a disappointing fifth place after drawing three and losing one of their four games.
Having missed the 2022 World Cup, the Super Eagles are in danger of missing back-to-back tournaments for the first time since makig their debut appearance at USA '94.
Their campaign began with a frustrating 1-1 draw at home to Lesotho, where Semi Ajayi salvaged a point after the visitors took a shock second-half lead. Another 1-1 draw followed away to Zimbabwe, with Kelechi Iheanacho coming to Nigeria’s rescue.
Back in Uyo, Nigeria again had to come from behind to draw 1-1 with South Africa, thanks to Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s first goal for the Super Eagles. However, their worst result came in June when they surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 to Benin – the Cheetahs’ first-ever victory over Nigeria.
Constant managerial changes have not helped Nigeria’s cause.
José Peseiro led the team in the first two qualifiers before leaving after the AFCON final. His successor, Finidi George, lasted only two games, and Augustine Eguavoen held the reins temporarily.
Now, Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle has been appointed, meaning both Nigeria and Rwanda will have new managers in charge for this crucial encounter.
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Head-to-head
Despite Nigeria’s superior history – including three AFCON titles and six World Cup appearances – meetings with Rwanda have often been tightly contested.
In seven previous encounters, Nigeria have won twice, drawn four times, and lost once. Interestingly, all three of Nigeria’s visits to Rwanda have ended in draws, with their only goal on Rwandan soil coming from Obafemi Martins in a 2005 World Cup qualifier.
The last meeting in November 2023 saw Rwanda secure their first-ever win over Nigeria, coming from behind to win 2-1 in Uyo.
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Team news
Rwanda
Coach Amrouche has named a 28-man squad, which will be trimmed to 23 before the match.
Among the key returnees are attacking midfielder Djabel Manishimwe, Jojea Kwizera (Rhode Island FC, USA), Hakim Sahabo (Beerschot, Belgium), York Rafael (ZED, Egypt), and Anicet Ishimwe (Olympique Béja, Tunisia).
Striker Yves Habimana, who has scored eight goals and provided six assists in the Rwandan top flight, has received his first call-up.
Nigeria
Eric Chelle has named a 23-man squad, including four players earning their first call-ups: Tolu Arokodare (Genk), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes), and goalkeeper Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars).
Notable absentees include Kelechi Iheanacho, Ahmed Musa, and Taiwo Awoniyi.
However, Nigeria’s attack remains formidable, led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman – the last two winners of the African Footballer of the Year award.
Valencia forward Umar Sadiq returns after injury, while stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Stanley Nwabali, Wilfred Ndidi, and Alex Iwobi are also included.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella was forced to withdraw due to injury, with Gent defender Jordan Torunarigha called up as a replacement.
Osimhen, Nigeria’s second-highest all-time goalscorer, will be making his first appearance in the qualifiers.
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Possible lineups
Rwanda (4-2-3-1):
Ntwari; Omborenga, Manzi, Mutsinzi, Imanishimwe; Bizimana, B. Mugisha; Dushimimana, Ruboneka, G. Mugisha; Nshuti.
Nigeria (4-4-2):
Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyedika, Iwobi, Simon; Lookman, Osimhen.
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Match details
Competition: FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers – Africa
Fixture: Rwanda vs Nigeria
Venue: Amahoro Stadium, Kigali
Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
Kick-off: 5 pm (Nigerian time)
Recent form: Rwanda – WLWDL | Nigeria – LDDDD
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Prediction
This is expected to be a tight and low-scoring affair. None of the last seven meetings between these two sides has produced more than two goals, and Rwanda have conceded just once in four qualifiers.
While Nigeria boast elite attacking talent in Osimhen and Lookman, Rwanda’s defence has been one of the best in Africa during this campaign. The Rwandans have kept three clean sheets in four games.
The Amavubi will also take confidence from their recent results against Nigeria – unbeaten in three straight games since 2018.
Nigeria have the quality to win, but given their struggles, a draw or a narrow Rwanda victory seems the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Rwanda to avoid defeat in a low-scoring game.
