Nigeria's Super Eagles may have received something of a lifeline in the World Cup qualifiers as Rwanda have opted against signing a new contract with German coach, Frank Spittler.
With his previous contract having expired on 31 December, 2024, it was unclear whether Rwanda's football authorities would offer an extension. They have now decided against that, which means Spittler will not be in charge when Nigeria visit Kigali for the next round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March.
This development could present an opportunity for the Super Eagles, who are in dire need of a turnaround in their qualification campaign.
Nigeria currently sits fifth in the six-team group with just three points from four matches, while Rwanda tops the table on goal difference, ahead of South Africa and Benin.
Spittler: Rwanda loss, Super Eagles' gain?
The last encounter between the two teams saw Rwanda stun Nigeria with a 2-1 victory at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo,.
In his time in charge of the Amavubi, Spittler was a transformative figure, overseeing a commendable improvement in their performances.
Appointed just two weeks before the World Cup qualifiers began, the German coach's acumen was bolstered by Rwanda's quick start to the series, as well as by taking four points off Nigeria in AFCON qualifying.
Rwanda narrowly missed out on a place at AFCON 2025 due to Benin's superior goal difference.
Under his leadership, the Amavubi played 14 matches, recording six wins, four draws, and four losses, with 13 goals scored and just nine conceded—a significant improvement for a side historically considered underdogs.
With Spittler's tenure now at an end, the disruption to Rwanda’s momentum could be to the Super Eagles' advantage come March.
