Preview: Nigeria vs Rwanda - prediction, team news, lineups

Nigeria are set for a make-or-break clash as they welcome Rwanda to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday evening for round seven of CAF’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

In Group C’s race for the sole automatic qualification spot, the Super Eagles sit fourth on seven points, six adrift of leaders South Africa, while the visitors are second on eight alongside Benin.

Match preview

Although the margin for error is razor-thin for both teams, the greater pressure lies with Nigeria, who, despite their pedigree, risk missing out on the global stage for a second successive campaign.

The three-time African champions were denied a place at the 2022 World Cup after losing on away goals to arch-rivals Ghana in the playoffs and now face the danger of falling short again in this expanded edition due to inconsistent showings.

Following their impressive run to the AFCON finals in January 2024, expectations soared for the Super Eagles to spark a stronger charge towards the mundial after failing to win their opening two games.

However, that barren run stretched to four matches as Nigeria suffered their first defeat of the qualifiers against Benin in June last year, which was swiftly followed by the resignation of former coach Finidi George.

A flicker of optimism returned when interim boss Augustine Eguavoen steered the side to 2025 AFCON qualification, and the appointment of Eric Chelle further lifted belief, though the overall situation has hardly shifted.

The Malian manager started brightly with a 2-0 win away to Rwanda, but a frustrating 1-1 home draw against bottom-placed Zimbabwe quickly stalled any momentum that could have sparked a late revival.

With pressure mounting for victory before a daunting trip to South Africa four days later, this fixture offers a vital chance for redemption, particularly after Nigeria’s dismal outing in the African Nations Championship in August, where Chelle’s home-based side exited at the group stage.

The Super Eagles suffered a 1-0 loss to Senegal before being thrashed 4-0 by Sudan, though they closed out the tournament on a brighter note by beating Congo 2-0, which marked the country’s first win in 90 minutes since overcoming Ghana in a friendly last June.

Rwanda’s last appearance also came in that international window, where they suffered back-to-back defeats to Algeria in friendlies, both by a 2-0 scoreline, extending their winless run this year to four matches (D1 L3).

Adel Amrouche, appointed in March, has endured a rocky start in the dugout, with his debut ending in defeat to Nigeria in the qualifiers, before his side managed a 1-1 draw with Lesotho.

The Wasps have produced an even record of wins, draws and defeats from their six qualifiers, with automatic entry slipping away and the playoff route equally distant as they trail the last runners-up place by four points.

This makes Saturday’s tie a must-win, but even if Rwanda can count on a watertight defence that has conceded just four times, their blunt attack has managed the same number of goals at the opposite end.

However, there is a sense of optimism in the camp, considering the Wasps claimed a 2-1 victory on their last visit to Uyo in the AFCON qualifiers back in November, and that should instil belief as they embark on a tough run-in largely on the road.

After this weekend’s trip to Nigeria, Rwanda will face Zimbabwe on neutral ground in Johannesburg four days later, before concluding in October against Benin at home and South Africa away.

Nigeria World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

Nigeria form (all competitions):

Rwanda World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

Rwanda form (all competitions):

Team News

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, though 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.

Victor Osimhen will carry the bulk of Nigeria’s attacking responsibility, with the Galatasaray forward having netted three of the Super Eagles’ last four goals in the qualifiers.

Crowned CAF Player of the Year Ademola Lookman is also expected to feature despite not playing for Atalanta this season after being left out of action in the early weeks of the campaign.

Head coach 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 established regulars.

Among the notable absentees are Police FC striker Lague Byiringiro, defender Clement Niyigena and the Belgian-based duo Samuel Gueulette and Hakim Sahabo.

Amrouche is tipped to stick with a 4-2-3-1 system that can switch into a 5-4-1, with Fiacre Ntwari likely to start in goal, Ange Mutsinzi and Thierry Manzi set to anchor central defence, and captain Djihad Bizimana providing cover in midfield.

Nigeria possible starting lineup:

Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Fredrick, Bassey; Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Simon; Dessers, Osimhen.

Rwanda possible starting lineup:

Ntwari; Niyomugabo, Manzi, Mutsinzi, Ngwabije, Omborenga; Mugisha, Niyigena, Hamon, Bizimana; Kagere

We say: Nigeria 2-0 Rwanda

The two nations have crossed paths eight times, with Nigeria enjoying three victories and Rwanda’s sole success being that win in Uyo last year, so with pedigree and history tilting the balance, the hosts remain firm favourites to prevail.

That said, given all their triumphs in this fixture have ended 2-0, the same outcome is tipped once again.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.