Nigeria's qualifying campaign has not gone as planned, as the team, who have won the Africa Cup of Nations three times, still hasn’t secured a victory after four games.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers heating up, Nigeria's Super Eagles aim to revive their campaign as they take on Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali this Friday.
Eric Chelle's team, now sitting just above the relegation zone in Group C, needs to achieve a favorable outcome to keep their chances alive for securing a spot in the upcoming worldwide tournament.
Rwandan optimism surrounds Friday’s match. With seven points alongside South Africa, the Amavubis remain closely matched at the top of Group C where Benin leads with eight points but has played one more game than others.
The Amavubi faced a close 1-0 defeat against Benin in June, but they recovered with an important victory when playing away against Lesotho.
As they prepare for their next two matches at home, head coach Adel Amrouche hopes to guide Rwanda towards a historic World Cup qualification.
The team from Eastern Africa, having never competed in a World Cup before, will view this match as a chance to reclaim their position at the pinnacle of the rankings.
With Bafana Bafana and Benin in the mix, Rwanda knows they must maximise their home advantage to stay ahead in the qualification race.
Super Eagles seeking redemption
Nigeria's qualifying campaign has not gone as planned, as the country, which has won the Africa Cup of Nations three times, remains without a victory after four games.
Three consecutive draws followed by a disheartening 2-1 defeat against Benin have put them in a vulnerable spot.
Appointed in January, Chelle faces the challenging task of rejuvenating the team's performance and quieting dissenters.
Winning in Kigali is crucial for Nigeria to maintain their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup. They've always participated in consecutive tournaments since making their debut in 1994. High expectations persist, thanks to star players such as Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman who are part of the team.
Nevertheless, history is not kind to Nigeria, as they have failed to win in their past three matches against Rwanda, which includes a 2-1 loss at home during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in November 2024. To bolster their chances of qualifying, they need to break this unfavorable streak.
Up-to-date team information and anticipated starting formations
Rwanda will not have Yunusu Nshimiyimana and Fitina Omborenga available, as they are away due to compassionate reasons related to the death of their father.
The Amavubi have found scoring difficult, netting only three goals during the qualifiers, yet they've shown strong defense with only one goal conceded.
Goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, having maintained three shutouts, will play a crucial role in containing Nigeria's offensive efforts.
Nigeria plans to reinstate Osimhen, who sat out of their previous two games because of an injury. The forward, known for his scoring prowess at Galatasaray, intends to start finding the net in the upcoming qualification matches.
The Nantes winger Moses Simon is anticipated to join in as well, possibly teaming up with Osimhen and Lookman to create a powerful offensive lineup.
In defence, Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi will likely start as full-backs, with William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey anchoring the centre.
Chelle and Ekong express confidence about the Super Eagles' preparedness
Before the crucial match, Super Eagles skipper William Troost-Ekong highlighted the squad's drive and preparedness.
“Everything has been going well. The guys are all enthusiastic. We’re aware of the significant task lying ahead, which naturally brings some pressure, but I constantly remind them that embracing this pressure is an honor,” he stated to the press in Kigali. Regarding adjustments to the new coach’s strategies, Ekong noted, “The players feel this too, and we're prepared to follow his guidance. He’s provided numerous fresh directives; our focus now is simply to grasp exactly what he expects from us come Friday.”
Coach Eric Chelle, steering the Super Eagles for the first time, recognized the significant pressure but kept his attention on the present objective.
"He said, 'They've got a new coach, both teams aspire for victory, and so do we. We're prepared,'" he emphasized.
Chelle, who took over from Finidi George following Nigeria's sluggish beginning in the qualifiers, highlighted the significance of concentration and readiness.
All I'm asking for right now is that my players concentrate solely on this match. For now, our attention should only be on this particular game; afterward, we can consider the upcoming ones. It’s crucial that we secure victory in this encounter. The team has been putting in intense practice sessions, and their aim is to make all Nigerians feel proud of them,” he stated during the Thursday pre-game media briefing.
Rwanda remains optimistic amid Nigerian challenge
Even though they faced a strong adversary, Rwanda's team leader, Djihad Bizimana, expressed no fear regarding the Super Eagles.
Bizimana said, "We've faced them previously, so we feel no pressure. We show them respect, yet they do not intimidate us. We are eagerly anticipating the match."
As Rwanda strives to uphold their dominant standing within the group and Nigeria urgently seeks a victory, the scene is primed for an exciting clash in Kigali.
The match will start at 5:00 p.m., local Nigerian time, with supporters from both camps eagerly anticipating an impressive display from their respective teams.
Rwanda Predicted XI:
Ntwari; Niyigena, Mutsinzi, Manzi, Niyomugabo; Sahabo, Bizimana, Rubanguka; Rafael, Nshuti, Mugisha.
(Note: The names provided seem to be proper nouns which should not be altered as per your instructions.)
Nigeria Predicted XI:
Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyedika, Iwobi; Simon, Osimhen, Lookman.
Predicted scores
Rwanda 1-2 Nigeria
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).
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