Rwanda vs Nigeria Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | World Cup Qualifiers

Rwanda vs Nigeria Preview

Tournament: World Cup Qualifiers

Date: March 21, 2025

Kick-off Time: 4:00 PM GMT

Venue: Amahoro Stadium

Group C leaders Rwanda will return to action as they welcome Nigeria to the Amahoro Stadium in their fifth World Cup qualifiers fixture. The hosts currently occupy the first place on the table and are in pole position to book a ticket to the USA and Canada. With seven points from two wins, one draw and one defeat each, Rwanda sits at the top of the standings, thanks to a superior goal difference. Moreover, they will be high on confidence having defeated Nigeria in their last meeting.

Nigeria, on the other hand, has not had it easy this time around. The Super Eagles have struggled to get points on the board and have not backed their credentials for a place at the World Cup. Eric Chelle’s side have underperformed in all their games and are placed fifth on the standings with three points from as many draws and one defeat. Interestingly, Nigeria is yet to win a game despite having a power-packed squad.

Rwanda Team News

The home side is expected to miss the services of Yunusu Nshimiyimana and Fitina Omborenga while the remainder of their squad is fully fit and available.

Nigeria Team News

Meanwhile, Nigeria will welcome their star striker Victor Osimhen back into the line-up and will want him to help them get back to winning ways. Moreover, Joshua Torunarigha has been called up to replace the injured Nathan Tella.

Rwanda vs Nigeria Predicted Lineups

Rwanda Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Ntwari

Defenders: Omborenga, Mutsinzi, Manzi, Imanishimwe

Midfielders: Bizimana, Mugisha, Jojea, Ruboneka, Mugisha

Forward: Nshuti

Nigeria Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Obasogie

Defenders: Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaech

Midfielders: Ndidi, Onyedika, Iwobi

Forwards: Chukwueze, Osimhen, Simon

Rwanda vs Nigeria Head-to-Head Record

Both sides have played each other thrice. Rwanda won one game while the other two games ended in a goalless draw.

Key Players to Watch in Rwanda vs Nigeria

Fiacre Ntwari (Rwanda)

Fiacre Ntwari has been one of the top-performing goalkeepers in the CAF World Cup qualifiers. He has managed to keep a shutout in three out of four games. His heroics between the sticks have been the driving force behind Rwanda’s magical run. Ntwari will be expected to continue his flawless run against Nigeria’s star-studded attacking lineup.

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

The Nigerian target man will hope to get his name on the scoresheet on his return to the side. Osimhen is enjoying a phenomenal campaign in Turkey and has found the back of the net 26 times across all competitions, including eight goals in his last five appearances. Osimhen’s attacking prowess coupled with his technical expertise comes in as an added advantage for Nigeria.

Rwanda vs Nigeria Prediction

Rwanda has recently defeated Nigeria and will be keen to build upon that. However, Nigeria won’t repeat the same mistakes this time around and will come up with a strong performance. Therefore, we expect this game to end in a draw.

Predicted Score: Rwanda 2-2 Nigeria

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