Rwanda’s national football team, the Amavubi, is set to arrive in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday, 3rd September, ahead of their vital FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Nigeria’s Super Eagles on 6th September.
This encounter marks the seventh matchday of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and both teams are eager to secure crucial points.
Coach Adel Amrouche unveiled a 27-man provisional squad for the Group C ties yesterday, as he prepares his players for a challenging fixture against a formidable Nigerian side.
Three goalkeepers, nine defenders, six midfielders, and nine strikers were included in the squad by Amrouche.
The match will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, a venue that holds memories of past encounters, including the East Africans’ surprising 2-1 victory during a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in their last visit.
Despite this previous success, the Super Eagles are entering the match with renewed confidence, following their impressive 2-0 win over Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali back in March. This recent form places Nigeria in a strong position as they look to enhance their chances of qualifying for the Mundial.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Sekou Chelle on Friday announced a provisional squad comprising 31 players.
The squad, which features a mix of experienced internationals and exciting young talents. Among the notable names in the provisional squad are team captain William Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and others.
The defensive lineup is bolstered by the likes of Olaoluwa Aina and Calvin Bassey, while the midfield showcases renowned players such as Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi. The attacking front is led by star forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Simon Moses, all of whom have proven their mettle in international competitions.
Chelle also included promising young goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi, as well as midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Additionally, forwards Sadiq Umar and Nathan Tella bring further dynamism to the squad.
The coach opted to recall several talents who impressed during the 2025 Unity Cup Tournament, including the youthful defender Benjamin Fredericks, rearguard stalwarts Felix Agu and Igoh Ogbu, midfielder Christantus Uche, and forward Cyriel Dessers. Experienced players Adeleye Adebayo, Chidozie Awaziem, and Terem Moffi also make a return to the squad.
The Super Eagles are currently in fourth place in their qualifying group, with South Africa topping the log with 13 points from six matches.
Despite a rocky start, Nigeria still has a slim chance in the race, with four fixtures left to play.
