Former Rwanda international Francis Sibomana has shared his strategy for countering Nigeria in a pivotal 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles will be making their way to Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on March 21, aiming for a crucial victory to revive their waning hopes of qualification.
In contrast, the Amavubi side is intent on securing all three points to bolster their position in Group C as they strive for their first-ever World Cup appearance.
Recognising that the West African team will likely target an early goal to enhance their odds, the former midfielder has detailed how his team can thwart the three-time African champions.
“If they come out aggressively, that works in our favour because we have quick, talented players ready to take advantage of a team pushing forward.”
“Playing at home, we understand what it takes. We have the experience at this level and will do everything possible to claim victory.”
“Rwanda has not lost to them in our recent encounters, which demonstrates that this Nigerian team is certainly beatable, as we evidenced in our last match against them on their home ground.”
The East African nation heads into this crucial fixture with confidence, having triumphed 2-1 over Nigeria in their previous encounter at Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Samuel Chukwueze initially put the Super Eagles in the lead during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, but Torsten Spittler’s side rallied back to snatch a win, thanks to goals from Ange Mutsinzi and Innocent Nshuti.
Sibomana is determined to prove that the victory in Uyo was no fluke, insisting that the main objective is to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
He added: “Many people in Nigeria still think our win in Nigeria was a fluke, but we are set on repeating that performance when we face them again next week in Kigali.”
“While they have announced an impressive squad, we aren’t intimidated, as we have our own stars who will let their performances make the statement.”
“This match is monumental for us, and I can already envision Amahoro Stadium filled with fans rallying behind Amavubi for victory.”
“We’ve never qualified for the FIFA World Cup before, and a positive result here would bring us closer to realising that dream. Nigeria may be tough, but we will fight for it from the first whistle to the last.”
Rwanda missed out on qualifying for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and will now have to wait for the 2027 tournament to make their second appearance in the continental championship, following their debut in Tunisia in 2004.
For Sibomana, a place at the World Cup would help erase those disappointments. He remarked: “It was disheartening to miss out on qualification despite our hard work.”
“We were close to securing a ticket to Morocco, but it didn’t transpire. We’ve moved on, and earning a World Cup spot would help erase those memories.”
“If that’s the sacrifice we need to make to achieve it, then so be it.”
Coach Spittler is anticipated to unveil his squad for the March World Cup qualifiers in the coming days, with US-based players Nshuti and Jojea Kwizera expected to be included, along with La Louviere midfielder Samuel Gueulette.
Four days after facing Nigeria, Rwanda will compete against Lesotho, while the Super Eagles will host Zimbabwe’s national team in Uyo.
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