The Super Eagles of Nigeria will aim to revive their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign when they take on Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday.
Newly appointed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will target a strong start as he leads Nigeria into a crucial Group C encounter. The three-time African champions are winless in their last four qualifiers, currently sitting in fifth place with just three points—five points behind leader Benin.
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Nigeria desperate to end winless streak
Rwanda are second in Group C with seven points, just one point behind Benin. They come into this match on the back of a narrow victory over Lesotho, keeping their qualification hopes alive.
For Nigeria, the situation is dire. After three draws and a 2-1 loss to Benin, the Super Eagles must turn their fortunes around to secure the only automatic qualification spot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Breaking Rwanda jinx
Nigeria has never won a competitive match against Rwanda on Rwandan soil, with past encounters ending in draws. In a 2006 World Cup qualifier, both teams played a 1-1 draw at the Amahoro Stadium. A 2012 AFCON qualifier ended 0-0 at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo, while their most recent meeting in Kigali—an AFCON 2025 qualifier last September—also ended in a goalless draw.
With Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey in top form at their respective clubs, Chelle will be hoping they can inspire the team to end this poor record.
Super Eagles must avoid World Cup absence
Nigeria has never missed consecutive World Cups since making its debut in 1994. After failing to qualify for the 2022 edition, the current squad—featuring the last two CAF Player of the Year winners (Osimhen 2023, Lookman 2024)—is determined to avoid another setback.
However, with three winless games against Rwanda and a recent 2-1 home defeat in AFCON qualifying (Nov 2024), the Super Eagles must secure their first-ever win in Rwanda to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
