The Tremendous Eagles of Nigeria will look to get their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying marketing campaign again on observe once they face Rwanda on the Amahoro Stadium on Friday. Eric Chelle, who was appointed head coach in January, hopes to begin his reign with an important win on this Group C encounter.
Group C State of affairs
Nigeria presently sit second-bottom in Group C, with solely three factors after 4 video games. They’re 4 factors behind group leaders Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin, who every have seven factors. The Tremendous Eagles can not afford slip-ups in the event that they hope to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, particularly after lacking the final version in Qatar.
In the meantime, Rwanda have shocked many with their performances. Regardless of a slender 1-0 defeat to Benin in June 2024, they bounced again by beating Lesotho away. The Amavubi are actually joint-top of the group and aiming for an additional optimistic consequence at house. Their new coach, Adel Amrouche, shall be on the sidelines for the primary time and hopes to encourage Rwanda towards their first-ever World Cup look.
Nigeria’s Struggles
Nigeria’s marketing campaign to date has been disappointing. They’re winless after 4 matches, with three attracts and one loss. The two-1 defeat to Benin in June, regardless of taking the lead via Raphael Onyedika, was a serious setback. Chelle’s appointment got here seven months after that loss, and he’s beneath strain to ship outcomes rapidly.
The Tremendous Eagles are determined to keep away from lacking a second consecutive World Cup, one thing that has not occurred since they debuted in 1994. They’re relying on key gamers like Victor Osimhen—African Footballer of the Yr finalist in 2023—and Ademola Lookman, who gained the award in 2024, to step up.
Rwanda’s Hopes
Rwanda come into this match with perception. The Wasps have conceded just one purpose in qualifying to date and have proven defensive energy. Fiacre Ntwari is aiming for his fourth clear sheet. Nonetheless, they’re one of many lowest scorers in Group C with simply three targets, scored by Harmless Nshuti, Gilbert Mugisha, and Jojea Kwizera.
With back-to-back house video games, Rwanda know a win towards Nigeria might put them in a powerful place within the race for World Cup qualification.
Staff Information
Rwanda shall be with out Yunusu Nshimiyimana and Fitina Omborenga, who’re absent following their father’s passing.
For Nigeria, Victor Osimhen returns after lacking the video games towards South Africa and Benin because of damage. Osimhen has scored 26 targets for Galatasaray this season and shall be keen to search out the online in Kigali.
Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman are anticipated to begin alongside Osimhen in assault. In defence, Nigeria will probably line up with Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi, William Troost-Ekong, and Calvin Bassey.
Potential Lineups
Rwanda XI: Ntwari; Niyigena, Mutsinzi, Manzi, Niyomugabo; Sahabo, Bizimana, Rubanguka; Rafael, Nshuti, Mugisha
Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyedika, Iwobi; Samuel Chukwueze, Osimhen, Lookman
Match Prediction
Nigeria haven’t gained any of their final three matches towards Rwanda, together with a 2-1 house defeat in November 2024. Nonetheless, with Osimhen and Lookman again within the squad, the Tremendous Eagles ought to have sufficient high quality to edge this contest.
Prediction: Rwanda 1-2 Nigeria
Chelle’s aspect want this win to remain within the race, and though Rwanda have been strong defensively, Nigeria’s expertise and attacking expertise might show decisive.
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