Nigeria vs Rwanda: Preview, Team News, Possible Line-ups and How to Watch World Cup Qualifier
- Nigeria face a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium
- The Super Eagles need a win to keep their hopes alive for the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico
- The three-time African champions must avoid dropping points if they hope to remain in contention for the ticket
The FIFA World Cup qualifiers are reaching the crucial stages, and Nigeria takes on Rwanda in a must-win fixture at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Nigeria's Super Eagles risk missing out on the global showpiece for a consecutive time, having failed to qualify for the tournament in Qatar in 2022.
They have struggled in the current campaign, having managed just one win from six matches, putting them six points behind table toppers South Africa.
Source: Getty Images
With four matches left in the qualification series, Nigeria must not drop points in any of their upcoming games should they hope to remain in the race for the ticket.
Nigeria vs Rwanda preview
Nigeria registered 1-1 draws with Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa in their first three matches before losing 2-1 to the Benin Republic in Uyo.
The Super Eagles then thrashed Rwanda 2-0 at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, but failed to beat Zimbabwe in their reverse game in Uyo as it ended 1-1.
South Africa leads the group with 13 points, followed by Rwanda and Benin on 8 points each, while Nigeria have 7.
Team News
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named his final 23-man squad for their game against Rwanda and South Africa, largely dominated by players based in Europe, per Sports Mole.
It's a star-studded roster as goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali returns, having missed the friendly against Russia in June due to personal commitments.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong is expected to start in the heart of the defence, but he will do so without the partnership of Semi Ajayi, who is ruled out, while Chidozie Awaziem could start.
The selection of players in the midfield could pose a problem for the head coach with Alex iwobi, Chrisantus Uche, Raphael Onyedika, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru all jostling for a starting shirt.
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, who scored three of the Super Eagles’ last four goals in the qualifiers, is expected to lead the attack.
Despite having a turbulent summer, the reigning African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, is billed to feature just behind Osimhen.
On the other hand, Amavubi head coach Adel Amrouche has named six fresh faces alongside established regulars in his 27-man Rwanda squad for the fixture.
Defender Clement Niyigena, Police FC striker Lague Byiringiro, and the Belgium-based duo Samuel Gueulette and Hakim Sahabo were not invited.
The tactician is expected to adopt his usual 4-2-3-1 system that can switch into a 5-4-1, with Fiacre Ntwari likely to start in goal, Ange Mutsinzi and Thierry Manzi set to anchor central defence, and captain Djihad Bizimana providing cover in midfield.
Daily Post reports that Chadian official Allaou Mahamat will be in charge of the encounter, alongside his compatriots Bogollah Issa, Moussa Hafiz and Abdelkerim Ousmane in the roles of assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official, respectively.
How to watch Nigeria vs Rwanda
The match is slated for the Godwill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday, September 6.
Kick off: 5 pm Nigerian time
Where to watch: The fixture will be televised live on SuperSport and on CAF's official channels.
Nigeria possible starting XI:
Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Fredrick, Bassey; Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Lookman; Dessers, Osimhen.
Rwanda possible starting XI:
Ntwari; Niyomugabo, Manzi, Mutsinzi, Ngwabije, Omborenga; Mugisha, Niyigena, Hamon, Bizimana; Kagere.
Source: Getty Images
NFF criticised over scheduling
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Nigeria Football Federation’s scheduling of the Super Eagles’ matchday seven of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier has not gone down well with some Nigerians.
They will have only two days to rest and recover before playing South Africa, which plays Lesotho on Friday and are not travelling as their opponents play their home games in South Africa.
Source: Legit.ng
