Nigeria’s Super Eagles will look to revive their faltering 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign when they take on Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. With their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread, the three-time African champions must secure a vital victory to stay in contention.
Match Details
Fixture: Rwanda vs. Nigeria
Competition: FIFA World Cup Qualification (CAF) – Group C
Matchday: 5
Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
Kick-off Time: 5:00 PM (Nigeria Time)
Venue: Amahoro Stadium, Kigali
How to Watch
Nigerian fans 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 eager to avenge their shocking 1-2 defeat to Rwanda in Uyo last November—Amavubi’s first-ever victory over the Super Eagles. The reverse fixture in Kigali ended in a goalless draw, further highlighting Rwanda’s resilience.
The Super Eagles remain winless in the qualifiers, registering three draws and one loss (D3, L1) in their opening four games. They sit in a precarious position with just three points, making this match a decisive moment in their qualification bid.
Rwanda, on the other hand, tops Group C with seven points from four matches and remains unbeaten in their last three encounters against Nigeria.
Predicted Lineups
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 buoyed by the return of Victor Osimhen, who missed the first four qualifiers. The Galatasaray striker has been in blistering form and is expected to spearhead the attack.
Match Analysis
Newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle faces a daunting task as he seeks to guide Nigeria back on track. Anything short of a win could deal a severe blow to their World Cup aspirations.
Rwanda’s defensive solidity has been their strongest asset, conceding just one goal in four matches. With Nigeria struggling for consistency, the Amavubi will fancy their chances of frustrating the Super Eagles once again.
Head-to-Head Record
Total Meetings: 7
Nigeria Wins: 2
Draws: 4
Rwanda Wins: 1
Prediction
Given Rwanda’s defensive discipline and Nigeria’s recent attacking struggles, a tight, low-scoring contest is expected. The Super Eagles have kept five clean sheets in their last seven meetings with Rwanda, and six of those encounters produced under 2.5 goals.
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