Nigeria seeks first win in crucial Rwanda clash

DDM News

The CAF Africa qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continue this week as Nigeria faces Rwanda in a decisive match.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) revealed that the Super Eagles are still searching for their first victory in the campaign after a disappointing start to the qualifiers.

Nigeria needs a win to boost its chances of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

Rwanda, on the other hand, hopes to build on its strong performances and move closer to historic qualification.

A victory at home would allow Rwanda to maintain its lead at the top of Group C in the standings.

Nigeria, currently ranked 44th in the FIFA rankings, is under immense pressure to turn its campaign around.

A slow start has left the Super Eagles struggling in the group despite being the highest-ranked team in the competition.

Rwanda has been one of the standout teams in the qualifiers, collecting seven points from four matches.

They started their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe, securing a valuable point away from home.

In their second match, Rwanda stunned South Africa with a 2-0 victory, showing their potential as serious contenders.

Gilbert Mugisha and Innocent Nshuti scored the goals that secured the historic win against the former African champions.

After their impressive performance against South Africa, Rwanda suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Benin in their third game.

Despite the setback, they rebounded strongly with a hard-fought win over Lesotho, keeping them at the top of Group C.

Rwanda currently leads South Africa and Benin on goal difference, demonstrating their consistency in the qualifiers.

However, despite their strong start, Rwanda has experienced a major coaching change during the ongoing campaign.

Torsten Spittler, who guided Rwanda through the opening four matches, left after his contract was not renewed.

In March, the Rwandan FA appointed Algerian-Belgian coach Adel Amrouche as Spittler’s successor for the qualifiers.

Amrouche has extensive experience, having previously coached Burundi, Botswana, Libya, and Kenya in international competitions.

He will be eager to make an immediate impact in his first game in charge against Nigeria.

Nigeria’s road to qualification has been filled with frustrating results, leaving them in a difficult position.

They began their campaign with a 1-1 draw at home against Lesotho, struggling to break down the opposition.

A late goal from defender Semi Ajayi salvaged a point for Nigeria after trailing for most of the match.

Their second game saw another 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe, with Kelechi Iheanacho scoring the equalizer.

The trend continued in their third game, as they played yet another 1-1 draw against South Africa in Uyo.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored his first goal for Nigeria, but they failed to secure a much-needed victory.

Nigeria’s biggest setback came in June when they suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat to Benin.

Despite taking the lead early in the game, they conceded twice, allowing Benin to claim a historic win.

This loss marked Benin’s first-ever victory over Nigeria, further highlighting the Super Eagles’ struggles.

Nigeria, despite being favorites in the group, now sits in fifth place with just three points from four matches.

Having missed out on the 2022 World Cup, they risk failing to qualify for consecutive tournaments for the first time.

The Super Eagles have been a dominant force in African football, qualifying for six of the last eight World Cups.

They made their debut in the 1994 tournament and quickly became a team feared on the global stage.

Nigeria reached the Round of 16 in 1994, 1998, and 2014, demonstrating their competitive strength.

However, their recent struggles have raised concerns about the team’s ability to perform at the highest level.

Frequent coaching changes have further complicated Nigeria’s campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Portuguese coach José Peseiro led the team in the first two qualifiers before leaving after the AFCON final.

Finidi George was appointed as his replacement but lasted only two matches before stepping down.

Augustine Eguavoen briefly took charge before Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle was appointed as the new head coach.

Chelle now faces the tough task of reviving Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes under intense pressure.

Historically, matches between Nigeria and Rwanda have been closely contested, with little separating the two teams.

In seven previous encounters, Nigeria has won twice, drawn four times, and lost once to Rwanda.

Notably, all three of Nigeria’s away matches in Rwanda have ended in draws, showing their struggles on Rwandan soil.

Their only goal in Rwanda came in a 2005 World Cup qualifier, scored by Obafemi Martins.

As Nigeria prepares to face Rwanda again, they will be desperate for a win to avoid further setbacks.

Rwanda, however, is determined to continue its impressive form and take another step toward World Cup qualification.

The outcome of this crucial match could have a significant impact on both teams’ chances in Group C.

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