Nigeria is set to rekindle its faltering hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in their upcoming match against Rwanda.
After a rocky beginning to the qualification campaign, the Super Eagles find themselves in a precarious position after four rounds of matches.
Having managed to secure only three points, the three-time African champions currently trail behind Amavubi, South Africa, Benin Republic, and Lesotho.
Eric Chelle’s side understands that a defeat in this critical match would greatly diminish their chances of progression. With this in mind, they are determined to fight for all three points.
Conversely, Rwanda enters the fray with confidence, having gone unbeaten against Nigeria in their previous two meetings.
Notably, the East Africans claimed a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in their last encounter held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
When is the World Cup qualifier?
The clash between Rwanda and Nigeria is set to kick off at 17:00 (West African Time) on Friday, March 21.
What TV channels are showing the game?
Date: 21st March 2025
Time: 17:00 WAT (Nigeria 5pm)
Channels: SuperSport, AfroSport
Nigeria squad
Goalkeepers: Amas Obasogie, Kayode Bankole, Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, William Troost-Ekong
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Alhassan Yusuf, Joe Aribo, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Raphael Onyedika, Wilfred Ndidi.
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, Sadiq Umar, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Victor Boniface, Victor Osimhen.
Nigeria’s likely XI: Nwabali, Onyemaechi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Aina, Onyedika, Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Lookman, Osimhen
Rwanda squad
Goalkeepers: Herve Nyirahabimana, Fiacre Ntwari, Bimenyimana Claude, Ntwali Aimable
Defenders: Fitina Omborenga, Thierry Manzi, Ange Mutsinzi, Mugisha Herve, Niyomugabo Abdoul, Ishimwe Yannick
Midfielders: Djihad Bizimana, Steve Rubanguka, Bonheur Mugisha, Charles Bimenyimana, Mugisha Leopold, Niyongira Innocent, Hakizimana Jean Bosco, Nshuti Gilbert, Niyongira Saidi
Forwards: Innocent Nshuti, Hakim Sahabo, Yves Mugunga, Nshuti Samuel, Mugisha York, Mugisha Gilbert, Niyongira Rafiki
Rwanda’s likely XI: Ntwari, Omborenga, Manzi, Mutsinzi, Imanishimwe, Bizimana, A. Mugisha, Ruboneka, Y. Mugisha, Rafiki, Nshuti
Where is the match being held?
Amahoro Stadium, Kigali
Commonly known as Amahoro National Stadium, it boasts a seating capacity of 45,508 and is situated in the Gasabo district of Kigali.
The venue has undergone numerous renovations, with a $165 million project awarded to Turkiye-based SUMMA in August 2022 for its upgrade, including the Petit Stade indoor sports facility, enhancing its capacity to accommodate 45,508 spectators.
What has been said?
Team captain William Troost-Ekong has stated that his teammates are eager for the match, emphasising the necessity of a win against Rwanda and the Super Eagles’ strong drive to succeed.
“Everything has been going well, our first training session was great, and all the boys are in camp, we’re pumped,” the defender, currently playing in Saudi Arabia, told the Super Eagles media.
“Of course, we recognise we have a significant task ahead of us, and it’s accompanied by pressure, but I continually remind everyone that this pressure is a privilege, and all the boys understand that.”
“We are very pleased to be working with the new coach, who has provided us with a lot of new guidance. It’s essential for us to grasp what he expects from us on Friday, and we are currently working towards that goal.”
Who will officiate the match?
This fixture will be officiated by Moroccan referee Jayed Jalal, assisted by compatriots Mostapha Akarkad (Assistant Referee 1) and Hamza Nassiri (Assistant Referee 2).
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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