Nigeria return to Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday with one clear mission — defeat Rwanda and strengthen their chances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers — www.isagoal.com reports.
The Group C contest kicks off at 6:00 pm CAT in Uyo, where the Super Eagles are hoping to follow up their 2-0 victory over Congo-Brazzaville in August.
That win ended a frustrating five-game winless spell across competitions and reignited belief in Jose Peseiro’s men.
Currently fourth in the standings with seven points from six games, Nigeria must secure back-to-back victories over Rwanda and South Africa to revive qualification hopes.
Captain William Troost-Ekong stressed focus, saying: “We have Rwanda to play on Saturday, and there are three points there. After that we think about South Africa.”
Meanwhile, Rwanda arrive in Uyo sitting second in the group with eight points and still firmly in the race for a World Cup ticket.
The East Africans have gone four games without a win, including back-to-back defeats to Algeria, but confidence remains in their camp.
FERWAFA president Fabrice Shema told Isimbi: “For me, losing is not an option. Last year we beat Nigeria here, so we can do it again.”
The two nations have clashed eight times since 2004, with Nigeria claiming three wins, Rwanda one, and four draws in between.
Their last meeting ended in a 2-0 win for the Super Eagles in Kigali earlier this year, giving them momentum heading into Saturday’s battle.
This article was updated 3 weeks ago
