The Super Eagles will face Rwanda’s Wasps in a crucial World Cup qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday (today), with kick-off set for 5 p.m. Nigerian time. Both teams are desperate for victory as they aim to secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria currently sits fourth in Group C with seven points from six matches, trailing leaders South Africa by six points. Rwanda is second with eight points, level with Benin Republic.
The three-time African champions are confronting the possibility of missing the World Cup for a second consecutive time after failing to qualify for the 2022 tournament following a playoff loss to Ghana.
Coach Eric Chelle’s side has struggled so far, managing only one win in their first six qualifiers. They have recorded four draws and one defeat, with their most recent outing ending in a frustrating 1-1 home draw against bottom-placed Zimbabwe in June.
“People have already written us off. But I am not bothered by that,” Chelle told UK-based Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana. “I am concentrating on preparing my players for the remaining four matches that we have. I think that we are going to surprise a lot of people.”
The Malian coach began his tenure on a positive note with a 2-0 away victory over Rwanda in the reverse fixture. However, the momentum was stalled by the stalemate against Zimbabwe.
Nigeria and Rwanda Gear Up for Crucial Clash as World Cup Race Intensifies
Super Eagles winger Moses Simon acknowledged the team’s difficulties and insisted there were no excuses for poor performances. “We just have to win, there are no excuses. It doesn’t matter who scores, we don’t care, we just want to win,” Simon told ESPN.
“Everyone can stand up for you, we can speak with the coach that you have to play because now there is no time for excuses. We just need to give everything that we can.”
Meanwhile, Rwanda’s coach Adel Amrouche remains confident despite their earlier defeat to Nigeria. He pointed to their 2-1 victory in Uyo during the AFCON qualifiers in November as a source of motivation.
“We already won here last year, and it’s a huge confidence boost going into the game tomorrow,” Amrouche told Own Goal Nigeria. “I know Nigeria have star players who are good, respected and feared in Europe, but this is about a game and I have the secret of beating Nigeria.”
Rwanda has an even record from their six qualifiers, with their defense conceding just four goals while scoring the same number.
All 23 invited Nigerian players started training together on Wednesday, with key figures such as Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman expected to lead the attack.
Rwanda also arrived in Nigeria with a full squad of 24 players and have been training at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium since Wednesday.
South Africa further strengthened their hold on top spot on Friday by defeating Lesotho 3-0 in Bloemfontein, extending their lead to 16 points and increasing the challenge for Nigeria.
Following Saturday’s encounter, Nigeria will travel to Bloemfontein to face South Africa on Tuesday, while Rwanda will take on Zimbabwe on neutral ground in Johannesburg.
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