We have met them two times: Rwanda not worried about Osimhen, Lookman-led Super Eagles - Captain

Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman | X/@BRFootball

We have met them two times: Rwanda not worried about Osimhen, Lookman-led Super Eagles - Captain

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 09:23 - 21.03.2025

Rwanda's skipper has come out to make a bullish statement that they are not worried about the Super Eagles of Nigeria attack led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman having played them twice.

Rwanda captain Djihad Bizimana has dismissed any fears about facing Nigeria’s formidable attack as the Amavubi prepare for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles.

In a video posted on X by OJBsports, the skipper exuded confidence ahead of the clash, shrugging off the threat posed by Nigeria’s star-studded frontline, led by Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman.

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With the two teams set to meet in a high-stakes encounter on Friday, Bizimana insisted that Rwanda is ready to rise to the challenge without being intimidated by their opponents’ reputation.

“There is no worry, there is nothing to worry,” Bizimana said firmly when asked if Rwanda was concerned about Nigeria’s attacking prowess.

The Super Eagles against Rwanda

“We have already met them two times, I think most of them are here. So, there is nothing to worry, we respect them. It’s Nigeria—big team, big names—but we as players are focused on us, what we are doing in training.”

His comments reflect a steely determination within the Rwandan camp, emphasising self-belief over awe for a Nigerian side packed with talent, including players from Europe’s top leagues.

Rwanda captain Djihad Bizimana believes they are familiar with Nigeria's big names.
Rwanda captain Djihad Bizimana believes they are familiar with Nigeria's big names.

Bizimana, who plays his club football for Ukrainian side Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, acknowledged the quality of the Super Eagles, who boast a roster featuring the likes of Osimhen, former Africa’s Player of the Year and Lookman, the current.

Yet, he stressed that Rwanda’s focus remains inward. “There is nothing to be worried about, to be honest,” he reiterated. “We’ll try to give 100%, even 150%, because we know that they are a good team and will want to win this game.”

Nigeria had nine shots on target against Rwanda but failed to score

His words suggest a game plan centred on maximum effort and tactical discipline to counter Nigeria’s ambitions.

The two nations have indeed crossed paths recently, with Rwanda holding Nigeria to a goalless draw before a shock win in Uyo in the AFCON 2025Q.

Rwanda shocked Nigeria the last time both teams met.

Those encounters have given Bizimana and his teammates a sense of familiarity and confidence heading into this latest showdown.

For Rwanda, currently sitting pretty in their World Cup qualifying group, a positive result against Nigeria could be a game-changer.

Samuel Chukwueze scored Super Eagles consolation against Rwanda at home. || X

As the Super Eagles look to bolster their faltering World Cup campaign under new coach Eric Chelle, Rwanda’s fearless approach under Bizimana’s leadership sets the stage for a compelling battle.

The captain’s rallying cry signals that the Amavubi are not just there to make up the numbers, they’re ready to push again beyond their limits and take on one of Africa’s footballing giants head-on.