Saturday evening at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium is no ordinary qualifier. For Nigeria, it’s a must-win. The Super Eagles have already missed one World Cup cycle and sit fourth in Group C with only one win from six games. Rwanda are second, but they too cannot afford to slip with South Africa leading the group.
For Eric Chelle’s men, the pressure is huge. Nigeria reached the AFCON final in 2024, but since then their form has dipped. A 2-0 win away in Rwanda showed promise, but a frustrating 1-1 draw at home to Zimbabwe left the nation restless. Now, they return to Uyo knowing nothing less than three points will do. With Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze in attack, the talent is there. It’s about delivering.
Rwanda, meanwhile, comes with belief. Adel Amrouche’s side are hard to break down, conceding just four goals in six qualifiers. Their issue has been at the other end, with only four goals scored. Still, they will remember their shock 2-1 win in Uyo back in 2021, and they’ll look to frustrate the hosts again.Two sides, two very different histories, but both clinging to the hope of reaching the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria vs Rwanda: Key Stats
Head-to-head: Nigeria 2 wins, Rwanda 1 win, 4 draws
Nigeria have won just 2 of their last 9 WC qualifiers
Rwanda have 4 wins in their last 28 games across competitions
Nigeria are unbeaten in 59 of their last 69 home matches
Under 2.5 goals has landed in Rwanda’s last 6 WC qualifiers
What to Expect From Both Teams
Nigeria;
The Super Eagles are under real pressure, but they still carry firepower. Victor Osimhen has scored 3 of Nigeria’s last 4 goals in these qualifiers and remains their biggest hope. Ademola Lookman, crowned CAF Player of the Year, will look to add spark from wide, while Samuel Chukwueze’s pace gives them a direct threat. In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi bring balance, with William Troost-Ekong leading the backline.
Rwanda ;Adel Amrouche’s Wasps are organised, compact, and difficult to break down. Captain Djihad Bizimana anchors midfield with steel, while Ange Mutsinzi and Thierry Manzi form a reliable defensive partnership. The problem remains in attack, where goals have been hard to come by, but Jacques Tuyisenge and Meddie Kagere could be their outlet on the counter.
Predicted Lineups
Nigeria (4-2-3-1)🇳🇬:
Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Fredrick, Bassey; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Simon, Lookman; Osimhen
Rwanda (4-2-3-1)🇷🇼:
Ntwari; Niyomugabo, Manzi, Mutsinzi, Ngwabije, Omborenga; Mugisha, Bizimana, Hamon, Niyigena; Kagere
Players and Matchups to Watch
🔹 Victor Osimhen: Nigeria’s talisman, 3 goals in qualifiers and still the main man.
🔹 Ademola Lookman: CAF Player of the Year. His creativity could unlock Rwanda’s defence.
🔹 Samuel Chukwueze: Offers pace and width, a constant outlet on the break.
🔹 Djihad Bizimana: Rwanda’s heartbeat in midfield, tasked with breaking Nigeria’s rhythm.
🔹 Thierry Manzi: Needs a big performance at the back to keep Osimhen quiet.
Odds Market on MSport
💵 Rwanda to win: 11.17
💵 Draw: 4.49
💵 Under 2.5 Goals: 1.61
💵 Osimhen Anytime Goalscorer: 2.05
Nigeria cannot afford more slip-ups. With Osimhen, Lookman, and Chukwueze, they have the tools to punish Rwanda, but patience will be key against a stubborn side. Rwanda may not score many, but their discipline and belief could make this tighter than expected. For the Super Eagles, it’s simple: win or watch the World Cup dream fade away.
