Preview: Nigeria vs Rwanda- Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Nigeria will aim to revive their bid for automatic qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they take on Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday evening.

The three-time Africa Cup of Nations winners currently sit fourth in Group C, six points adrift of leaders South Africa, meaning victory here is crucial to keep their campaign alive. Rwanda, meanwhile, are chasing history as they look to qualify for their first-ever World Cup and enter the clash second in the group with eight points to their name.

Match preview

The Super Eagles are yet to find their rhythm in Group C, collecting just seven points from a possible 18 and recording only one win so far.

A win against Rwanda, who they defeated 2-0 in the reverse fixture, could alter the complexion of the group, particularly if South Africa are sanctioned for fielding the ineligible Teboho Mokoena in their March victory over Lesotho.

Nigeria missed out on the 2022 World Cup for the first time in 16 years, and the current campaign has raised the prospect of consecutive absences despite the presence of star names such as Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman.

Their qualifying campaign has been defined by stalemates, with four of their six games ending 1-1. They opened with draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa before falling 2-1 to Benin. They then picked up their first win of the campaign with a 2-0 win over Rwanda before drawing 1-1 with Zimbabwe in their most recent outing.

Manager Eric Chelle, who took over from interim boss Augustine Eguavoen in January, is under mounting pressure as his side continue to struggle in creating clear goalscoring opportunities.

Rwanda occupy second place with eight points from six matches but must avoid defeat against Nigeria and hope Benin slip against Zimbabwe on Friday if they are to maintain their position.

Adel Amrouche's men have recorded two wins, two draws and two defeats, leaving them five points behind leaders South Africa.

The Amavubi boast the best defensive record in the group with just four goals conceded, but also the joint-worst attacking record with four goals scored.

They stunned South Africa with a 2-0 victory on Matchday Two, underlining the threat they can pose.

Historically, meetings between the two sides have been tight. In the previous five fixtures, Nigeria have edged two wins, in 2012 and 2025, while Rwanda claimed a 2-1 success in AFCON qualifying thanks to a quickfire double. The remaining two encounters ended goalless.

Nigeria World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

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Nigeria form (all competitions):

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Rwanda World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

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Rwanda form (all competitions):

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Team News

Nigeria have left out several high-profile names from their 23-man squad for this international break, with Sadiq Umar, Victor Boniface, Adams Akor, Terem Moffi and Nathan Tella all omitted.

Star striker Victor Osimhen returns after missing the last break, joining a strong group including Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey as the Super Eagles seek to reignite their campaign.

For Rwanda, Hakim Sahabo and Rafael York are absent once more after Adel Amrouche criticised their decision to prioritise club money over international duty during the last window.

Innocent Nshuti is expected to continue leading the line, with Djihad Bizimana and Gilbert Mugisha operating on the flanks.

Fiacre Ntwari should retain his place in goal, with Ange Mutsinzi and Thierry Manzi marshalling the backline.

Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Nwabali; Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Aina, Osayi-Samuel; Ndidi, Lookman, Chukwueze, Iwobi; Osimhen, Simon

Rwanda possible starting lineup:
Ntwari; Mutsinzi, Manzi, Niyomugabo, Omborenga; Bizimana, Mugisha, Muhire, Bonheur, Kwizera; Innocent

We say: Nigeria 2-1 Rwanda

With the threat of missing out on the World Cup for a second successive time, Nigeria's experience on the big stage should give them the edge, though Rwanda will not make it easy.

Expect a cagey contest in Uyo, but the Super Eagles' star quality may prove decisive in a narrow victory.