Nigeria vs Rwanda: Date, time, team news, prediction

Nigeria’s Super Eagles host Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM (WAT) for Matchday 7 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers in Group C. With Nigeria fighting to climb from fourth place and Rwanda aiming to solidify their second-place standing, this clash is pivotal for both teams’ hopes of reaching the finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This piece is set to explore both teams recent performances, tactical approaches, updated team news, head-to-head statistics, and predicts the potential scoreline for this high-stakes encounter.

Nigeria’s recent performances

Nigeria, ranked 44th globally, sit fourth in Group C with seven points from six matches, trailing leaders South Africa (13 points), Rwanda, and Benin (both eight points). The Super Eagles’ campaign has been inconsistent, with one win, four draws, and one loss, scoring six goals and conceding five. Their 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali on March 21, 2025, marked their first win in the qualifiers, with Victor Osimhen’s brace, his 24th and 25th international goals, lifting them from fifth place. Draws against Lesotho (1-1), Zimbabwe (1-1), South Africa (1-1), and a 0-0 stalemate with Lesotho, coupled with a 2-1 loss to Benin in June 2024, had raised concerns, but the Rwanda win, restored belief.

Nigeria’s tactical approach

Coach Eric Chelle, appointed in January 2025, favours a 4-3-3 or 4-3-1-2 formation, emphasizing a high press and attacking fluidity, as seen in their 56% possession and 2.1 expected goals (xG) against Rwanda. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman lead the attack, with Lookman’s deliveries, like his assist for Osimhen’s opener in Kigali, proving crucial. Midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi provide balance, with Iwobi potentially playing a more advanced role to boost creativity. Defensively, William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey anchor a backline that kept a clean sheet in Kigali, though lapses, like Tawanda Chirewa’s late goal in a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe, remain a concern. Nigeria’s set-piece prowess, with Osimhen scoring from a free kick and Troost-Ekong heading chances, will target Rwanda’s defense.

Nigeria team news and injuries

Chelle’s 31-man provisional squad, announced on August 22, 2025, includes key returns. Victor Osimhen, with 26 goals for Galatasaray last season, is fit and expected to lead the line alongside Lookman, the 2024 African Player of the Year. Nathan Tella is doubtful due to discomfort, but Ola Aina, who suffered a minor knock in Kigali, trained fully by September 2. Kelechi Iheanacho and Frank Onyeka were omitted, with Iheanacho struggling at Middlesbrough. Bruno Onyemaechi could start at left-back if Aina isn’t risked, while Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Boniface are options to rotate. No suspensions loom, giving Chelle flexibility to field a strong XI.

Key Players: Victor Osimhen (ST), his brace in Kigali and 26 club goals this season make him Nigeria’s talisman. Ademola Lookman (LW) with his assist and man-of-the-match display in the AFCON qualifier against Benin highlight his flair and Stanley Nwabali (GK), his saves, including a crucial punch in Kigali, ensure defensive stability.

Rwanda’s recent performances

Rwanda, ranked 124th globally, are joint-second in Group C with eight points from six matches, level with Benin but behind South Africa on goal difference. The Amavubi have exceeded expectations, with two wins, two draws, and two losses, scoring five goals and conceding three, the joint-best defensive record in the group. Their 1-0 win over Lesotho in June 2024 and a 2-0 upset of South Africa in November 2023 showcased their resilience, but a 1-0 loss to Benin and a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria in March 2025 exposed their attacking limitations. A 1-1 draw with Lesotho in March 2025, with Jules Kwizera scoring, kept them competitive.

Rwanda tactical approach

Coach Adel Amrouche deploys a 4-3-3 or 5-4-1 formation, prioritizing defensive solidity and counter-attacks, as seen in their 39% possession and one goal conceded in Kigali against Nigeria. Goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, with three clean sheets in qualifying, anchors a backline led by Ange Mutsinzi and Thierry Manzi. Midfielders Djihad Bizimana and Jean Ruboneka disrupt opponents, while Innocent Nshuti leads the line, supported by wingers Gilbert Mugisha and Jojea Kwizera. Rwanda’s three set-piece goals, including Kwizera’s against Lesotho, are their primary threat, but their low scoring rate (0.8 goals per game) limits their attack. Amrouche will likely park the bus in Uyo, aiming to frustrate Nigeria and exploit counters.

Rwanda team news and injuries

Rwanda’s 25-man provisional squad, announced on August 25, 2025, is unchanged from their March fixtures, with no major injuries reported. Ntwari is set to start in goal, with Mutsinzi and Manzi anchoring defense. Yunusu Nshimiyimana and Fitina Omborenga, absent in March due to a family bereavement, are back, bolstering the backline. Nshuti, who scored against Nigeria in the AFCON qualifier, will lead the attack, with substitutes like Bonheur Mugisha and Didier Mugisha offering pace. Amrouche may opt for a five-man defense to counter Nigeria’s firepower, with Sahabo potentially dropping deeper.

Key Players: Fiacre Ntwari (GK), his saves in Kigali, including denying Lookman, are crucial for Rwanda’s defense. Inocent Nshuti (ST), his goals and physicality make him Rwanda’s main threat and Ange Mutsinzi (CB), his equalizer in the AFCON qualifier and defensive leadership are vital.

Nigeria vs Rwanda head-to-head statistics

Nigeria and Rwanda have met eight times since 2005, with Nigeria holding an impressive record: three wins, four draws, and one loss, per AiScore. Nigeria’s wins include a 2-0 victory in Kigali on March 21, 2025 (Osimhen brace) and a 2-0 home win in a 2005 World Cup qualifier. Rwanda’s sole victory was a 2-1 upset in the AFCON 2025 qualifier in Uyo on November 18, 2024, with Nshuti and Mutsinzi scoring. The teams drew 0-0 in Kigali in September 2024 (AFCON qualifier) and three other times. Nigeria have scored eight goals to Rwanda’s four across these matches, with 75% of games seeing under 2.5 goals and Nigeria keeping five clean sheets.

Nigeria vs Rwanda score prediction

Nigeria’s home support at the 30,000-capacity Godswill Akpabio Stadium and Osimhen’s form make them favourites, but Rwanda’s defensive resilience and recent upset in Uyo add caution. Critics predicts a “comfortable Nigeria win,” citing their 2-0 Kigali victory, but Rwanda’s low-scoring games (four of six under 2.5 goals) suggest a tight contest. Nigeria’s 60% possession and 12 shots against Rwanda in March contrast with Rwanda’s three shots. Expect Nigeria to dominate but Rwanda to nick a goal on the counter.

Predicted Score: Nigeria 2-1 Rwanda. Osimhen is likely to score early, with Lookman adding a second. Nshuti may exploit a defensive lapse for Rwanda, but Nigeria’s firepower and home advantage should secure the points. Some betting tips to use: Play both teams to score, under 3.0, Nigeria to win either half, Nigeria to win and Osimhen to score.