Rwanda assistant coach Eric Nshimiyimana and captain Djihad Bizimana have insisted that the Amavubi are not intimidated by the star-studded Nigeria Super Eagles squad ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier in Kigali, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles arrive in Rwanda with one of Africa’s most formidable attacking forces, featuring Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Victor Boniface.
Head coach Eric Chelle will be eager to unleash his firepower, with Osimhen and Lookman leading the charge after outstanding seasons in Europe.
Osimhen, crowned Africa’s best player in 2023, has registered 31 goal contributions (31 G+A) this season, while Lookman — who took over the prestigious CAF award in 2024 — has 25 G+A.
Simon and Boniface have also been in fine form, with 14 and 12 goal involvements, respectively. Combined, the quartet has recorded an impressive 82 goal contributions—more than Rwanda’s national team has managed in all competitions over the past nine years.
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 21, 2025
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On paper, Nigeria are clear favourites for the matchday five clash, but Rwanda’s camp remains undeterred.
What Rwanda said of the Super Eagles
Despite the daunting opposition, Rwanda’s captain Djihad Bizimana dismissed any fear factor surrounding the Super Eagles.
“We have played against them before, and there is no pressure,” Bizimana said, as per New Times. “We just respect them, but they don’t scare us. We are looking forward to the game.”
Nigeria, currently sitting fifth in Group C with just three points, are in desperate need of a victory to reignite their World Cup qualification hopes.
Meanwhile, Rwanda, under new head coach Adel Amrouche, are second in the group with seven points but they could return to the summit with a victory.
Rwanda made a managerial switch just days before this match, appointing Amrouche as the new national team boss. His assistant, Nshimiyimana, was full of praise for former coach Torsten Spittler, who guided Amavubi to the top of Group C before departing in December 2024.
“Spittler started well, and the team is in a good position. I hope we can build on what he did by maintaining the team at the top of the World Cup qualifiers,” Nshimiyimana stated.
Amrouche, who officially took charge in early March, faces the challenge of continuing Rwanda’s momentum in the qualifiers.
With the Amavubi in a great position, a win against Nigeria would take them to 10 points ahead of their next home fixture against Lesotho on March 25.
