With zero wins recorded so far, Nigeria are under huge pressure to get their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign back on track when they face Rwanda this afternoon. The Super Eagles currently sit fifth in Group C approaching the halfway point after some disappointing results across the past two years.
As Africa Cup of Nations qualification took centre stage in the latter half of 2024, Nigeira’s bid to ensure they book their place at next summer’s World Cup took a massive hit after drawing with South Africa and then losing away to Benin in what could be a decisive double-header. Now managed by Éric Chelle, he will be desperate to get off to a winning start.
Rwanda did win the last meeting between the two nations back in November, though the result wasn’t enough to pip Benin as they just missed out on a place at the Africa Cup of Nations. Currently sitting second place and four points clear of Nigeria, an important World Cup qualifier is in store and you can follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog.
21 min: Good play from Nigeria but Lookman slips at a vital moment just as he had made a run in behind the Rwanda defence.
20 min: Rwanda’s gameplan will have to change following that early goal. They were happy to sit deep at 0-0 but now the onus is on them to get back in the game.
17 min: The players have had a quick drinks break. A chance for both managers to get a message across.
16 min: Aina wins a free-kick for Nigeria. In a similar position that which led to the opening goal. Whipped in perfectly by Lookman as he picks out his captain, Ekong again, but the defender glances his header just wide of the far post.
13 min: Lookman picks out a teammate once again with another fine delivery, however, Ekong can only head the ball over the bar.
Very good start by Nigeria.
12 min: Almost a second for Nigeria as Mutsinzi takes a wild swipe at the ball and ends up putting it over his own crossbar following Osimhen’s cross.
Lookman standing over this set-piece situation again…
It’s a great delivery by Lookman as he picks out Osimhen at the back post and the Nigeria striker simply doesn’t miss from there.
Just the start the Super Eagles needed!
10 min: We’ve settled into an early pattern for this fixture; Rwanda happy to sit back and wait for their opportunity and Nigeria tasked with breaking the hosts down.
Free-kick for Nigeria in a decent position, Lookman stands over the ball…
6 min: Chukwueze cuts in from the right and tries to find Osimhen with a ball over the top but his pass is slightly overhit and the Galatasaray strike can’t take it in his stride.
5 min: A slip in the Rwanda defence gives Lookman a sight of goal, but the forward is crowded out immediately and is forced to conceded a free-kick out of frustration.
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