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High-flying Rwanda welcome Nigeria for crucial World Cup qualifier

football18 March 2025 18:45| © Backpage TXT
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Victor Osimhen © Getty Images

Rwanda will be targeting another win in the World Cup qualifiers when they go up against Nigeria at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday evening.

Kick-off is at 6pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

The hosts in this fixture are occupying the top of the Group C standings having won two matches, drawn one and lost one fixture in their qualifying campaign.

Their most recent result in the qualifiers was a 1-0 victory over Lesotho.

Amavubi are tied on points with South Africa and Benin in the group, with their lead due to having a superior goal difference.

As for the Super Eagles, they’ve had a disappointing start to the World Cup qualifiers as they’ve only managed to pick up three points from four matches.

They have not managed a win in the campaign and are fifth in the standings, a point above last-placed Zimbabwe.

WHAT WAS SAID

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen seems to be eager to get started under the guidance of newly-appointed head coach Eric Chelle.

"It takes more than a coach to win football matches. Players must also be at their best, show commitment, and bear in mind that we can all fly together to reach our goal,” he says.

"There's a new manager now, and we are desperately looking forward to the game against Rwanda to try to correct all the previous mistakes we've made and put ourselves in a better position to qualify."

The Rwandese Federation of Association Football (FERWAFA) has also appointed a new coach, Algerian tactician Adel Amrouche ahead of the crucial qualifying matches.

At his introduction, Amrouche expressed confidence in his ability to succeed but stressed the importance of support from both the Rwanda Football Federation and the Rwandan public.

"I work a lot, I'm not a coach who talks too much. Everyone has a role to play for the team's success including the journalists because you are part of the development of football,” he said.

"Me alone, I can't do anything. Everyone must get involved."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Yves Habimana, Rwanda – The striker has been in form in the Rwandan top-flight, scoring eight goals and providing six assists. Receiving his first call-up to the national team, he will be hoping to make an impact in the qualifiers and hopefully cement himself a spot in the team on a regular basis.

Tolu Arokodare, Nigeria – The Genk striker shared his excitement to be part of the squad after receiving his first-ever call-up to the Super Eagles, describing it as a huge achievement in his career. Arokodare is also another player who will be striving to impress and earn a regular call-up to the national team set up.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

While Nigeria boast a more impressive football history with three Afcon titles and six World Cup appearances, matches against Rwanda have typically been close.

In their seven prior meetings Nigeria have two wins, four draws and one loss.

Notably all three matches played in Rwanda have ended in draws with Nigeria's only goal there coming from Obafemi Martins during a 2005 World Cup qualifier.