Rwanda‘s assistant coach, Eric Nshimiyimana, has vowed to stop Nigeria from securing the crucial three points they desperately need in their 2026 World Cup qualifier clash on Friday (today) in Kigali.
Nigeria’s poor start to the campaign has left them in a precarious position, and they need all three points against Rwanda, who are in high spirits heading into the clash as the second-placed team in Group C.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on behalf of head coach Adel Amrouche, Nshimiyimana beamed with confidence as he vowed to prevent the Super Eagles from staying in contention for World Cup qualification.
“We’re not under any pressure because we already have our seven points, so Nigeria are the ones under pressure because they need these points too, but they will not get it,” he said.
The two countries have met recently, having clashed in Group D of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, with Rwanda earning four points out of a possible six against Nigeria. The two teams played out a goalless draw at the Amahoro Stadium, while Rwanda secured a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture in Uyo.
Nigeria is yet to achieve victory over Rwanda in that country, going back to 20 years ago, when a 2006 World Cup qualifying match ended 1-1 at the Amahoro Stadium. In 2011, a 2012 AFCON qualifying match at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo, in the outskirts of Kigali, ended scoreless.
With Rwanda’s confidence high, Nigeria faces an uphill task in securing the much-needed win. Will the Super Eagles rise to the challenge, or will Rwanda’s Amavubi prove too strong? The stage is set for an exciting clash in Kigali.