As part of their final preparations for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria, Rwanda will play a test match against a local side on Saturday.
Newly appointed head coach Adel Amrouche will use the friendly to assess local players, giving them a chance to stake a claim for spots in the final squad.
The game is set to take place in Kigali, serving as an opportunity for Amrouche to fine-tune his tactics before the Super Eagles visit.
Amrouche, who was unveiled as Rwanda’s head coach on Sunday, brings experience from managing several African nations, including Kenya, Burundi, and Tanzania.
He has expressed a willingness to integrate young players into his squad, provided they prove themselves.
Rwanda currently tops Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with seven points from four matches, while Nigeria lags behind in fifth place with just three points.
The Amavubi will host the Super Eagles at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday, March 21, in a must-win showdown for both teams.
A Critical Challenge for Super Eagles
Nigeria’s qualification campaign has been nothing short of disastrous so far.
Three consecutive draws, followed by a shock defeat to Benin Republic, have left the Super Eagles struggling in fifth place, only above Zimbabwe by a single point.
With only the group winners securing automatic qualification, Nigeria must take maximum points from their next two matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe to revive their World Cup hopes.
Head coach Eric Chelle has a huge task ahead, especially with no friendly matches scheduled before the qualifiers.
He has already met with some players in preparation, and the Super Eagles will fly straight to Kigali to set up camp when the international window opens.
Rwanda stunned Nigeria with a 2-1 victory in their last encounter in Uyo during the AFCON qualifiers, and the Super Eagles cannot afford another slip-up.
Chelle will need to instill a ruthless mentality in his squad if they are to avoid another humiliating setback and keep their World Cup dreams alive.
