Nigeria faces Rwanda in a high-stakes clash this Saturday as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF Qualifiers.
This Nigeria vs Rwanda encounter will be pivotal as the Super Eagles return to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where the support of home fans is expected to be crucial. With South Africa leading Group C on 13 points, Nigeria must collect all three points against Rwanda to strengthen their qualification hopes.
Rwanda, currently second, is determined to frustrate their hosts and hold onto their place in the table. This match preview covers match details, head-to-head records, team news, interviews, key players, predictions, and betting tips.
Match Details
- Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CAF, Round 7)
- Date: Saturday, 6th September 2025
- Kickoff Time: 17:00 (Nigerian Time)
- Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria
- Tickets: VIP – ₦3,000, Popular Stands – ₦1,000 (NFF confirmed sales across Uyo metropolis)
- TV/Streaming: NTA Sports 24, SuperSport MáXimo 3, SuperSport 14 Africa, DStv Now, Sporty TV
Head-to-Head (H2H) Record
Nigeria and Rwanda have met 8 times across all competitions:
- Nigeria Wins: 3
- Rwanda Wins: 1
- Draws: 4
Last 5 Matches between Nigeria vs Rwanda:
- March 2025: Rwanda 0–2 Nigeria (World Cup Qualifier)
- November 2024: Nigeria 1–2 Rwanda (AFCON Qualifier)
- September 2024: Rwanda 0–0 Nigeria (AFCON Qualifier)
- January 2018: Nigeria 0–0 Rwanda (CHAN)
- June 2012: Nigeria 2–0 Rwanda (AFCON Qualifier)
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have a strong historical record in their matchups against Rwanda. However, in a surprising turn of events in 2024, Rwanda secured an impressive win over Nigeria, showing they are not to be underestimated.
Nigeria Team News
Eric Chelle has named a 23-man squad for Nigeria in the double-header against Rwanda and South Africa, with most of the contingent being Europe-based players in a star-studded roster.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali returns after missing the friendly with Russia in June due to personal commitments, and the Chippa United man is fit again following a minor scare at his club.
Captain William Troost-Ekong is expected to marshal the backline. However, he will do so without the partnership of Hull City’s new signing Semi Ajayi, who is ruled out, paving the way for Chidozie Awaziem to step in.
In midfield, Chelle faces a real selection puzzle, with Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Christantus Uche all vying for starting roles.
Nigeria’s standout player, Victor Osimhen, will carry most of the attacking responsibility for the Super Eagles, having scored three of the team’s last four goals during the qualifiers. Additionally, Ademola Lookman, the CAF Player of the Year, is expected to participate in the match, despite not having played for Atalanta this season due to a transfer saga and being sidelined.
Bruno Onyemaechi on the game against Rwanda and Nigeria’s qualification chances:
“Right now, the most important thing is to get the three points on Saturday. We need to focus more on ourselves and not on the opponent. That is the key for us. I believe we are going to qualify.”
Rwanda Team News
The Head coach of Rwanda, Adel Amrouche, has assembled a 27-man Rwanda squad for the double-header against Nigeria and Zimbabwe, with the list including six fresh faces alongside some known faces in the team.
Among the notable absentees are Police FC striker Lague Byiringiro, defender Clement Niyigena, and the Belgian-based duo Samuel Gueulette and Hakim Sahabo.
Key Players to Watch
- Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): The Galatasaray striker has been clinical in qualifiers and scored a brace against Rwanda earlier this year.
- Ademola Lookman (Nigeria): provides creativity and speed on the wing, making him an essential attacking option
- Jacques Tuyisenge (Rwanda): Rwanda’s experienced forward who can trouble Nigeria’s defense.
Stats to Watch
- Rwanda has not kept a clean sheet in their last seven matches.
- Both teams are separated by just one point in Group C (Rwanda 8 pts, Nigeria 7 pts).
- Victor Osimhen has scored or assisted in Nigeria’s last five qualifying games he featured in.
Nigeria Predicted Lineup
Nigeria will likely stick with their last lineup, which saw them defeat Rwanda 2–0 at the Stade Amahoro Stadium in Kigali earlier this year. Coach Eric Chelle is expected to trust the same shape and players who delivered that crucial win.
Nigeria’s possible lineup (4-2-3-1):
GK: Stanley Nwabali
RB: Ola Aina
CB: William Troost-Ekong
CB: Calvin Bassey
LB: Bright Osayi-Samuel
CDM: Wilfred Ndidi
CM: Alex Iwobi
RW: Samuel Chukwueze
CAM: Ademola Lookman
LW: Moses Simon
ST: Victor Osimhen
Rwanda Predicted Lineup
GK: Fiacre Ntwari
RB: Fitina Omborenga
CB: Thierry Manzi
CB: Emmanuel Imanishimwe
LB: Eric Rutanga
CM: Djihad Bizimana
CM: Ally Niyonzima
RW: Nshuti Dominique Savio
CAM: Hakizimana Muhadjiri
LW: Meddie Kagere
ST: Jacques Tuyisenge
Match Prediction
The Super Eagles are undefeated in their last five games across all competitions, picking up three wins in that period. They have, however, been defensively suspect in their World Cup qualifying campaign so far and must shore things up at the back if they are to secure maximum points this weekend.
The Wasps are on a run of back-to-back defeats and are winless in their last four games. The sheer gulf in class and quality between the two teams could see the visitors lose this one.
Predicted Scoreline: Nigeria 2–0 Rwanda
Betting Tips
- Match Result: Nigeria to win.
- Both Teams to Score: No (Rwanda often struggles in attack).
- Goals Market: Under 2.5 goals is a safe option.
Conclusion
Nigeria vs Rwanda is more than just a qualifier; it’s a must-win for the Super Eagles to stay in contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With players and coaches emphasizing focus and fan support, Saturday’s match in Uyo will test Nigeria’s ability to handle pressure. Rwanda’s defensive organization could frustrate the hosts, but with Osimhen’s form and home advantage, Nigeria is favored to collect all three points.
The Godswill Akpabio Stadium will be buzzing, and with tickets priced at 3,000 Naira for VIP and 1,000 Naira for popular stands, fans are expected to turn out in numbers. The atmosphere could play a decisive role in lifting Nigeria to victory.
