Eric Chelle’s troops face a must-win encounter when they lock horns with the Wasps of Rwanda in Kigali this Friday. Rwanda, however, are targeting a victory that would put them on course for their first-ever World Cup qualification. Ahead of the fierce encounter on March 21, Kick Off Nigeria editor Ayomide Oguntimehin provides key updates on the clash.
Match Preview
Rwanda may be one of the underestimated teams in Group C, but they currently sit atop the standings with seven points, making them a tough side to face. However, having won just two of their last five games, they will face a bigger challenge against Nigeria.
Nigeria is considered one of Africa’s top five teams, but their slow start to the World Cup qualifiers remains puzzling, having secured just three points from a possible 12. They suffered a 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in their last encounter during the AFCON qualifiers, but they now return with a mission for revenge and a desperate need to revive their World Cup hopes.
Head-to-Head: Rwanda vs Nigeria
- 05 June 2004 – Nigeria 2-0 Rwanda (FIFA World Cup)
- 05 June 2005 – Rwanda 1-1 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup)
- 29 February 2012 – Rwanda 0-0 Nigeria (Africa Cup of Nations)
- 16 June 2012 – Nigeria 2-0 Rwanda (Africa Cup of Nations)
- 15 January 2018 – Nigeria 0-0 Rwanda (African Nations Championship)
- 10 September 2024 – Rwanda 0-0 Nigeria (Africa Cup of Nations)
- 18 November 2024 – Nigeria 1-2 Rwanda (Africa Cup of Nations)
Nigeria has historically dominated this fixture, but recent encounters have been closely contested.
Recent Form: Rwanda
Rwanda has had a mixed run of results, winning three of their last five matches. They secured a notable 2-1 victory over Nigeria and edged past South Sudan with a 3-2 win. However, losses to Libya (1-0) and South Sudan (3-2) show their inconsistency.
At home in Kigali, they have been solid, winning against South Sudan, Djibouti, and Benin. However, a loss to Libyaand a goalless draw against Nigeria suggest they still struggle against stronger opposition.
What to Expect
Rwanda has been strong at home, securing important wins while keeping clean sheets in two of their last five matches in Kigali. However, their struggles against higher-ranked teams remain a concern.
Recent Form: Nigeria
Nigeria has had a mixed run of results, winning two of their last five matches. They secured a strong 3-1 victory over Ghana and a dominant 3-0 win against Libya but suffered a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Rwanda. They also played out draws against Ghana (0-0) and Benin (1-1), showing inconsistency.
On the road, Nigeria has struggled, winning just once in their last five away games—a 3-0 triumph over Libya. They played goalless draws against Ghana and Rwanda, drew 1-1 with Benin, and suffered a 2-1 loss to Benin in a World Cup qualifier, raising concerns about their away performances.
What to Expect
Nigeria will be eager to bounce back from recent setbacks, especially after their shocking home defeat to Rwanda. While they have the firepower to dominate, their inconsistency—particularly in away games—raises questions about their ability to secure maximum points.
Player to Watch: Victor Osimhen
The Napoli striker, currently on loan at Galatasaray, has made 31 goal contributions in 30 games this season. He will be looking to replicate his club form for Nigeria, especially after scoring against Benin in November to equal Segun Odegbami’s long-standing 23-goal record for the Super Eagles. With a chance to surpass that milestone, he remains Nigeria’s biggest attacking threat in this crucial fixture.
Related article: The Most Expensive Striker: Salary and Market Value Profile of Victor Osimhen
Best Betting Odds
- Nigeria to Win (Yes) – 1.94 on 1xBet
