2026 WCQ: Rwanda vs Nigeria – preview, team news, how to watch
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will aim to revive their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign when they face Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
With their qualification hopes hanging in the balance, the pressure is on for the three-timeAfrican champions to secure a much-needed victory.
Match Details
Fixture: Rwanda vs. Nigeria
Competition: FIFA World Cup Qualification (CAF) – Group C
Matchday: 5
Date: Friday, 21 March 2025
Kick-off Time: 5:00 Nigeria time
Venue: Amahoro Stadium, Kigali
How to Watch
Fans in Nigeria can catch the action live on SuperSport, while Rwandan supporters can tune in to RTV Rwanda for full coverage.
Team Form and Previous Meetings
Nigeria will be looking to avenge their shocking 1-2 defeat to Rwanda in Uyo last November, which marked Amavubi’s first-ever victory over the Super Eagles.
The reverse fixture in Kigali last September ended in a goalless draw.
With just three points from four games, Nigeria is yet to register a win in the qualifiers (D3, L1), a record they must improve if they hope to make their first World Cup appearance since 2018.
Meanwhile, Rwanda currently tops Group C with seven points from four matches and remains unbeaten in its last three encounters against Nigeria.
Predicted Lineups
Both teams head into this fixture with full squads and no major injury concerns.
Rwanda (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Fiacre Ntwari
Defenders: Fitina Ombolenga, Thierry Manzi, Ange Mutsinzi, Ishimwe Yannick
Midfielders: Djihad Bizimana, Gilbert Nshuti, Jean Ruboneka
Forwards: Didier Mugisha, Hakim Sahabo, Innocent Nshuti
Nigeria (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface
Nigeria will be boosted by the return of Victor Osimhen, who missed the first four qualifiers. The Galatasaray striker has been in fine form and is expected to lead the attack.
Match Analysis
Newly appointed coach Eric Chelle faces a tough task as he looks to steer Nigeria back on track. Anything less than a win could severely dent the Super Eagles’ qualification chances.
Rwanda, on the other hand, has relied on a solid defensive setup, conceding just one goal in four matches. With Nigeria struggling for consistency and Amavubi proving resilient at home, this encounter is set to be a tight contest.
Head-to-Head Record
Total Meetings: 7
Nigeria Wins: 2
Draws: 4
Rwanda Wins: 1
Prediction
Given Rwanda’s defensive solidity and Nigeria’s recent struggles in attack, this is likely to be a low-scoring affair. The Super Eagles have kept five clean sheets in their last seven meetings with Rwanda, while six of those games saw under 2.5 goals.
Prediction: Rwanda 0-1 Nigeria
Will the Super Eagles bounce back, or will Rwanda extend their unbeaten streak in Group C? All eyes will be on Kigali as these teams battle for crucial points.
