THE SUPER EAGLES of Nigeria are heading into a do-or-die clash against Rwanda’s Amavubi in today’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali. With just three points from their first four games, Nigeria finds itself in a precarious position, needing nothing less than a victory to keep qualification hopes alive.
History, however, does not favour the three-time African champions on Rwandan soil, where they have never won in three previous visits. Their last encounter at this venue ended in a goalless draw, while the most recent fixture between both sides saw Rwanda claim a 2-1 victory in Uyo during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Despite the odds, Super Eagles head coach Eric Sekou Chelle remains confident in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Franco-Malian tactician insisted that his squad is fully prepared for the crucial encounter.
“They have a new coach, they want to win, and we also want to win. We are ready,” Chelle declared. “We must focus on our game. We have a great squad, and we must work hard. What we do with and without the ball will be important. We are focusing on our preparation, and we will be ready.”
The Explainer learned that the Nigerian camp has been a hive of activity in the build-up to the game, with intense training sessions and strategic meetings aimed at correcting the flaws that have plagued their qualification campaign so far.
While Nigeria battles pressure and a must-win scenario, Rwanda’s Amavubi find themselves in a relatively comfortable position with seven points already in the bag. Assistant coach Eric Nshimiyimana, speaking on behalf of head coach Adel Amrouche, dismissed any notion of pressure on his side.
“We’re not under any pressure because we already have our seven points. Nigeria are the ones under pressure because they need these points too, but they will not get it,” Nshimiyimana stated confidently.
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The Explainer gathered that Rwanda has been a tough nut to crack for Nigeria, with past results tilting in favour of the East African nation. The Amavubi will be looking to frustrate the Super Eagles once again and secure a vital result in their own quest for World Cup qualification.
Among the players leading Nigeria’s charge is Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, who has been instrumental in his club’s Bundesliga title chase this season. Boniface, eager to make an impact for the national team, expressed his determination to help the Super Eagles secure maximum points.
“We are looking forward to the game. We know how important this game is to us and as a country. We need to be at the World Cup, so I can speak for myself and the other players—we are ready to give our best and hopefully get out with a win,” Boniface affirmed.
Meanwhile, Sevilla FC’s Akor Adams, who missed out on the final 23-man squad due to injury, has also thrown his weight behind the Super Eagles, expressing faith in the team’s ability to overcome Rwanda.
“This weekend, by the grace of God, the objective is to win and try to get a place in the World Cup. Thereafter, every other thing will come from there,” Adams told Nigerian media during an interview facilitated by LaLiga and Sevilla FC.
Adams, who switched from Montpellier to Sevilla in January, acknowledged the stiff competition for places in Nigeria’s attacking lineup but remains hopeful of cementing his place in the national team once he regains full fitness and form in Spain’s top flight.
The Explainer gathered that Nigeria and Rwanda have faced each other seven times in competitive fixtures, with the Super Eagles winning three, drawing three, and losing one. However, in World Cup qualification matches, both teams have shared the spoils twice, with no clear dominance.
Nigeria’s current poor form in qualifiers has seen them struggle against lower-ranked teams. The Super Eagles have drawn three of their last four qualification matches, scoring just four goals while conceding five.
Rwanda, on the other hand, have been relatively solid defensively, conceding only three goals in their last four qualifiers while securing two crucial wins. Their ability to frustrate attacking teams, combined with their disciplined approach under Amrouche, makes them a formidable opponent for Nigeria.
The Explainer gathered that a defeat for Nigeria could severely dent their chances of making it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Failure to qualify would mark the second consecutive absence of the Super Eagles from the global showpiece, following their failure to make it to Qatar 2022.
For Rwanda, a victory today would put them in a commanding position in the qualification race, boosting their chances of making history by securing a maiden World Cup appearance.
