Rwanda vs Nigeria: Preview, Team News, Lineups, H2H & Prediction | WCQ 2026

Rwanda vs Nigeria: Match Preview, Team News, Possible Lineups, Head to Head Analysis & Prediction. 

World Cup Qualifying – Africa | Group Stage

Date: March 21, 2025 | Kickoff: 5 PM GMT+1 | Venue: Stade Amahoro, Kigali

Super Eagles Face Must-Win Battle in Kigali

Nigeria’s national team embarks on a pivotal mission in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as they take on Rwanda in a high-stakes Group C fixture. Under the management of Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles aim to secure a much-needed victory to revive their qualification hopes after a poor start. Meanwhile, Rwanda’s Amavubi enter this encounter with confidence, sitting joint-top of the group alongside South Africa and Benin.

Rwanda’s Rising Aspirations

Rwanda have shown resilience in the qualifiers, accumulating seven points from four matches. Despite a 1-0 defeat to Benin last June, they bounced back with a crucial away win against Lesotho, setting up an opportunity to strengthen their bid for a maiden World Cup appearance.

With new head coach Adel Amrouche at the helm, Rwanda will look to capitalize on their home advantage. Back-to-back games in Kigali could be a game-changer for the East African nation, as they aim to remain in contention for a historic qualification.

Nigeria’s Struggles and the Pressure to Deliver

For Nigeria, anything less than victory would be a major setback. The three-time African champions have been underwhelming, failing to win in their four qualifying games so far. Their most recent disappointment came in a 2-1 loss to Benin, despite taking the lead through Raphael Onyedika.

Chelle, who took over in January 2025, faces immense pressure to turn things around. With only three points to their name, the Super Eagles must end their winless run to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Nigeria have never failed to qualify for consecutive tournaments since their debut in 1994, and this squad—boasting top African talents like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman—will be desperate to avoid that unwanted history.

Interestingly, Nigeria have struggled against Rwanda in recent meetings, going three games without a win, including a 2-1 defeat in an AFCON qualifier last November. The West Africans must break that trend to stay in the race for the global showpiece.

Form Guide

Rwanda – World Cup Qualifying (Africa): DWLW

Rwanda – Last 6 Matches (All Competitions): LWLWLW

Nigeria – World Cup Qualifying (Africa): DDDL

Nigeria – Last 6 Matches (All Competitions): WWDLDW

Team News & Possible Lineups

Rwanda Team Updates

Rwanda will be without Yunusu Nshimiyimana and Fitina Omborenga, who have been granted compassionate leave following the passing of their father. The Wasps have shared their goalscoring burden, with Innocent Nshuti, Gilbert Mugisha, and Jojea Kwizera all finding the net in qualifying.

Fiacre Ntwari has been a standout performer in goal, conceding just one goal in the qualifiers. If he continues his fine form, Rwanda could frustrate Nigeria’s attack.

Nigeria Team Updates

Nigeria welcome back star striker Victor Osimhen, who missed the last two qualifiers due to injury. The Napoli forward, who has netted 26 goals for Galatasaray this season, will be eager to open his account in this campaign.

Eric Chelle has several tactical options but may stick with his favored 4-3-1-2 system. However, a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 formation remains an alternative, depending on how he wishes to integrate in-form winger Moses Simon alongside Lookman and Osimhen.

In defense, the lineup is expected to remain stable, with Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi playing as full-backs, while William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey anchor the central defensive unit.

Predicted Lineups

Rwanda National Football Team Starting XI:

Ntwari; Niyigena, Mutsinzi, Manzi, Niyomugabo; Sahabo, Bizimana, Rubanguka; Rafael, Nshuti, Mugisha

Nigeria National Football Team Starting XI:

Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyedika, Iwobi; Simon, Osimhen, Lookman

Head to Head Analysis: Rwanda vs Nigeria

As of March 21, 2025, the head-to-head record between Rwanda and Nigeria’s national football teams is as follows:​

In their recent encounters, Rwanda has secured one win, Nigeria has one win, and there have been two draws. Notably, Rwanda’s victory in November 2024 marked their first competitive win over Nigeria. The upcoming World Cup qualifier on March 21, 2025, will be crucial for both teams as they aim to improve their standings in Group C.

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Match Prediction: Rwanda 1-2 Nigeria

Despite their recent struggles, Nigeria’s superior quality should give them the edge in Kigali. However, Rwanda’s defensive resilience cannot be overlooked, and they could make life difficult for the Super Eagles. Expect a closely fought contest, but Nigeria might just snatch a narrow victory to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

Can Nigeria revive their campaign, or will Rwanda take a major step toward qualification? Share your thoughts in the comments!