Nigeria and Rwanda have lined up high-profile international friendlies during the upcoming FIFA window, as both nations step up preparations for the next phase of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaigns, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles will face long-time West African rivals Ghana in a four-nation friendly tournament – Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago will be involved – scheduled for May.
Nigeria are also set to play Russia, with the date for the game against the Europeans expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks. The games form part of the build-up to Nigeria’s crunch Group C qualifiers in September.
Rwanda, meanwhile, will travel to Algiers to face Group G leaders Algeria in a friendly at the Stade de la Constantine on 5 June, according to the New Times.
The match will offer a stern test for Adel Amrouche’s side, who are aiming to rediscover momentum after faltering in their last two qualifying fixtures.
Rwanda’s clash with Algeria will be used to assess several players ahead of their September double-header – away to Nigeria and against Zimbabwe on 8 September.
Amrouche is expected to use the friendly to test new options and tactical setups, as the Amavubi aim to bounce back from a poor run that saw them collect just one point from their last two matches – both played at home.
Algeria, meanwhile, are preparing for their own qualifiers against Botswana and Guinea. The Desert Foxes currently lead Group G and will view the Rwanda game as ideal preparation for competitive action.
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Nigeria vs Rwanda: World Cup race heats up
Nigeria and Rwanda are set to meet on 31 August at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo for a decisive Matchday 7 qualifier.
The Super Eagles won the reverse fixture 2-0 in Kigali in March, thanks to a brace from Victor Osimhen – their first-ever victory on Rwandan soil.
However, that result was quickly overshadowed by a disappointing 1-1 home draw against Zimbabwe, which left Nigeria fourth in Group C on seven points. Rwanda, who also dropped points in a 1-1 draw with Lesotho, sit second in the group with eight points, five behind leaders South Africa.
With just four matches remaining in the group, both sides know a victory in Uyo could be pivotal in their quest to reach the World Cup.
Nigeria face Ghana in May
Earlier this month, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle confirmed Nigeria’s participation in the June friendlies following the draw with Zimbabwe.
The Franco-Malian is also expected to turn his attention to the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in July before regrouping his squad for the September qualifiers.
Nigeria last faced Ghana in March 2024, weeks after reaching the AFCON final, winning 2-1 in a friendly encounter.
The home-based Eagles also defeated the Black Stars 3-1 on aggregate in the 2024 CHAN qualifiers. Despite recent positive results, Ghana boast the better head-to-head record overall, with 22 wins from 56 meetings compared to Nigeria’s 13 victories and 21 draws.
