Nigeria’s Super Eagles return to action this weekend in a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with the weight of expectation heavier than ever.
Although both nations approach the fixture with pressure to deliver, the burden rests more heavily on Nigeria, who are desperate to avoid the embarrassment of missing back-to-back World Cups. The three-time African champions were absent in Qatar 2022 after losing to rivals Ghana on away goals, and despite boasting one of the continent’s most talented squads, inconsistency continues to cloud their path in the current campaign.
Nigeria’s Journey So Far
Following their run to the AFCON 2024 final, many believed the Super Eagles would ride that momentum to a smoother qualification process. Instead, the team stumbled, failing to win their first two group games before succumbing to a damaging defeat against Benin in June 2024. That loss triggered the resignation of coach Finidi George.
Augustine Eguavoen stepped in temporarily and steadied the ship by securing AFCON 2025 qualification, but Nigeria’s long-term project was handed to Malian tactician Eric Chelle, whose arrival was meant to spark renewed confidence.
Chelle’s reign started brightly with a 2-0 away victory over Rwanda, but momentum was halted after a frustrating 1-1 home draw with Zimbabwe, leaving Nigeria in a precarious position. With a daunting trip to South Africa coming just days after this encounter, a win against Rwanda has become non-negotiable.
The urgency is amplified by Nigeria’s poor showing at the African Nations Championship in August 2025, where Chelle’s home-based squad crashed out at the group stage after a 1-0 loss to Senegal and a heavy 4-0 defeat to Sudan.
Rwanda’s Challenge
Rwanda enter the clash on the back of a difficult run of form. Under new coach Adel Amrouche, appointed in March, the Wasps have yet to find rhythm. His tenure began with a loss to Nigeria in the reverse fixture, followed by a draw with Lesotho and two consecutive friendly defeats against Algeria.
While Rwanda have conceded only four goals in qualifying, their attack has been equally blunt, managing just four strikes in six matches. Still, there is quiet optimism within their camp. The Wasps famously defeated Nigeria 2-1 in Uyo during an AFCON qualifier last November, and they will take confidence from that rare scalp as they prepare for another daunting challenge on Nigerian soil.
Team News Nigeria
Chelle has named a 23-man squad packed with Europe-based stars.
- Stanley Nwabali returns between the posts after recovering from a minor knock sustained at Chippa United.
- William Troost-Ekong will captain the side from defence, though he will be without Semi Ajayi, paving the way for Chidozie Awaziem to feature.
- Midfield presents a selection headache, with Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Christantus Uche all pushing for starts in Chelle’s expected 4-4-2 diamond system.
- In attack, all eyes will be on Victor Osimhen, who has scored three of Nigeria’s last four qualifying goals, supported by CAF Player of the Year Ademola Lookman.
Team News Rwanda
Amrouche has called up 27 players for the double-header against Nigeria and Zimbabwe, introducing six new names to freshen the squad.
- Fiacre Ntwari is likely to start in goal.
- Ange Mutsinzi and Thierry Manzi are expected to anchor the backline, with Djihad Bizimana providing cover in midfield.
- Key absentees include striker Lague Byiringiro and defender Clement Niyigena, along with Belgian-based duo Samuel Gueulette and Hakim Sahabo.
Rwanda are tipped to line up in a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation, with the option to switch into a more defensive 5-4-1 when under pressure.
Head-to-Head Record
Nigeria and Rwanda have met eight times in competitive fixtures. The Super Eagles have won three of those encounters, while Rwanda have just one victory, last year’s shock win in Uyo. The remaining games ended in draws, leaving Saturday’s clash as a test of whether Nigeria can reassert dominance or whether Rwanda can pull off another upset.
What’s at Stake
For Nigeria, anything short of victory will plunge their campaign into deeper crisis, especially with South Africa looming next. For Rwanda, a win would reignite slim qualification hopes, though they remain four points adrift of the playoff spot.
Prediction
Nigeria’s pedigree, squad quality, and home advantage should tilt this in their favour. With Osimhen leading the attack and Lookman returning to the fold, the Super Eagles are expected to deliver.
Prediction: Nigeria 2 – 0 Rwanda
