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With their World Cup hopes hanging in the balance, Nigeria's attacking struggles meet Rwanda's defensive strength in a crucial World Cup qualifying clash.
Rwanda and Nigeria are set to clash in a crucial World Cup 2026 qualifying match at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday.
Rwanda vs Nigeria
The Wasps sit joint-top of Group C with seven points alongside South Africa and Benin, having shown promise despite losing to Benin in round three of fixtures.
New head coach Adel Amrouche will be making his debut and hopes to capitalise on two consecutive home games to solidify their position.
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10:18 - 18.03.2025
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Former Amavubi coach shades Chelle’s Super Eagles before World Cup qualifier
A former Rwanda coach has made a subtle dig at the African giants ahead of their World Cup qualifying match against Nigeria.
As for Nigeria, the Super Eagles’ campaign has been disappointing. The giants, hoping to avoid back-to-back non-involvements at global showpiece after missing out in 2022, are second-bottom with only three points, having failed to win any of their four matches.
Their 2-1 defeat to Benin in June 2024 has placed significant pressure on new boss Eric Chelle, who was appointed in January.
The three-time African champions are desperate for a win to revive their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup after missing the tournament in Qatar.
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Rwanda aim to take advantage of their home advantage, hoping that wins in their next two fixtures could put them in a favourable position, especially as South Africa face Lesotho (fourth on five points) and Benin (level on seven) during the March international break.
That adds pressure to Nigeria, whose situation is critical. The Super Eagles cannot afford any further slip-ups if they want to qualify.
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However, they face a tough challenge against Rwanda, a team they have struggled against in recent encounters.
Nigeria have not won in their last three games against Rwanda, and they suffered a 2-1 home defeat in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in November 2024.
Those prospects face extra scrutiny considering both ends of the pitch: Rwanda’s defence and Nigeria’s attack.
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Can Nigeria crack the Rwanda defence?
While the opening four matches of qualifying were handled by Torsten Spittler, the Wasps let in one goal, highlighting the Group C leaders’ defensive strength.
Their three clean sheets ranked higher than other nations in the section and one goal let in has been bettered by Tunisia and Ivory Coast, leaders in Groups F and H, respectively.
While Amuvabi's three goals fall significantly lower than other table-toppers, another rearguard action could aid the East African nation's bid to make the World Cup finals for the first time.
Indeed, Nigeria's underwhelming return in attack should give the home support in Kigali much-needed confidence, given that the Super Eagles have not netted more than a goal in their fixtures in qualifying, scoring once in 1-1 draws with Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa, while notching their customary one goal in the 2-1 defeat by Benin in June last year.
If under-pressure Nigeria are to revive their qualification campaign, unpicking the Rwanda stronghold could determine the outcome of Friday’s pivotal World Cup qualifier.
What next for Nigeria?
Chelle’s Super Eagles will host Zimbabwe on March 25 in the sixth round of games in World Cup qualifying.
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