Nigeria will continue their bid for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a crucial clash against Rwanda in Kigali next Friday.
The Amavubi currently lead Group C with seven points, four ahead of the Super Eagles, whom they will host at the Amahoro Stadium.
Rwanda’s new head coach, Adel Amrouche, has announced his squad for the encounter as they aim to secure a second consecutive victory over Nigeria.
The last time both teams met was in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in November 2024, and Amrouche will be hoping for a positive start in his first game in charge.
The Algerian tactician has named a 28-man provisional squad for the upcoming fixtures against Nigeria and Lesotho as Rwanda seeks to qualify for their first-ever World Cup.
Amrouche’s selection includes four goalkeepers, eight defenders, nine midfielders, and seven forwards.
Midfielders Hakim Sahabo and Rafael York return to the squad under the new coach.
Also making a comeback is attacking midfielder Djabel Imanishimwe, who plays for Naft Al Wassat in Iraq.
Other notable returnees include goalkeeper Maxime Wenssens, who was not selected for Rwanda’s 2025 AFCON qualifiers, and APR shot-stopper Pierre Ishimwe.
Kaizer Chiefs’ goalkeeper Ntwari Fiacre, who frustrated Nigeria the last time they met in Kigali, is also part of the squad.
Super Eagles arrive Kigali on Monday, Osimhen returns for World Cup qualifiers
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s squad is expected to start arriving in Rwanda on Sunday.
The delegation will include backroom staff and home-based players, Papa Daniel of Niger Tornadoes and Kayode Bankole of Remo Stars.
The rest of the squad, primarily made up of Europe-based players, will arrive in Kigali between Sunday night and Monday morning as Nigeria looks to improve their qualifying campaign after a slow start.
The Super Eagles will be boosted by the return of star forward Victor Osimhen, who has missed all the qualifiers so far.
His presence is expected to strengthen the team as they aim for a crucial win and get their campaign back on track.
