Nigeria, three-time African champions, sit fourth in Group C with seven points from six matches, six adrift of leaders South Africa, who beat Lesotho 3-0 on Friday to move to 16 points.
Rwanda, meanwhile, are third with eight points, three points behind Benin Republic in second, making this fixture crucial for both teams’ 2026 World Cup hopes.
Nigeria Under Pressure
Having failed to reach the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after losing to the Black Stars Ghana in a playoff, the Super Eagles are in danger of missing out again.
New head coach Eric Chelle has overseen just one win in his first six qualifiers, with four draws and one defeat. Their most recent outing — a 1-1 home draw with Zimbabwe in June — drew heavy criticism.
“People have already written us off. But I am not bothered by that,” Chelle told UK-based Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana.
“I am concentrating on preparing my players for the remaining four matches. I think that we are going to surprise a lot of people.”
Winger Moses Simon admitted the team’s performances have fallen short but insisted the focus is on results.
“We just have to win, there are no excuses. It doesn’t matter who scores, we don’t care, we just want to win,” Simon told ESPN.
Rwanda’s Confidence
Rwanda coach Adel Amrouche is confident his side can cause another upset in Uyo, recalling their 2-1 victory there during AFCON qualifiers last November.
“We already won here last year, and it’s a huge confidence boost,” Amrouche told Own Goal Nigeria.
“Nigeria have star players who are good, respected and feared in Europe, but this is about the game — and I have the secret of beating Nigeria.”
The Amavubi’s campaign has been built on defensive discipline, with just four goals conceded in six matches — the joint-best record in the group.
Rwanda also arrived with a full 24-man squad and have been acclimatising at the Uyo venue since midweek.
What’s Next
After Saturday’s clash, Nigeria face an even tougher test away to South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, while Rwanda will meet Zimbabwe on neutral ground in Johannesburg.
Group C standings (after South Africa and Benin Republic wins on Friday):
South Africa – 16 pts, Benin Republic 11 pts, Rwanda – 8 pts, Nigeria – 7 pts, Lesotho – 5 pts and Zimbabwe – 4 pts.
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