Augustine Eguavoen has begun his fourth term as Nigeria’s head coach on a high, following the Super Eagles’ dominant 3-0 victory over Benin Republic’s Cheetahs in Uyo on Saturday. The 58-year-old is determined to maintain this winning momentum as Nigeria faces Rwanda at the Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali this afternoon.
“We always play to win because Nigerians expect nothing less,” Eguavoen said. “We have a squad full of talent, and while we respect every opponent, we won’t be intimidated by anyone. Our goal for today’s match is to secure three points.”
Team captain William Troost-Ekong echoed Eguavoen’s sentiments at a pre-match press conference held at Amahoro Stadium. “We’re here with a clear purpose,” Ekong said. “Under Coach Eguavoen, we feel like a united family. We’ll support each other and aim for the three points that will position us at the top of the table.”
Nigeria, who currently lead the group following their recent win, will face the Amavubi (Wasps) in this Matchday 2 encounter of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The match kicks off at 2 pm Nigeria time at the newly renovated 45,000-capacity stadium in Kigali.
This clash is the first of four meetings between the Eagles and the Amavubi over the next 12 months. The teams are set to face off again in November in Nigeria for the final round of the qualifiers, and later in the 2025 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with Rwanda hosting Nigeria first in March.
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German coach Torsten Spittler has inspired the Rwandan team, which is eager to secure its first AFCON appearance since 2004. Spittler, who has guided the Amavubi to three wins, four draws, and one loss in their last eight matches, will rely on defenders Claude Niyomugabo, Fitina Omborenga, Ange Mutsinzi, Jean Claude Niyomugabo, and Christian Ishimwe to counter Nigeria’s attacking threats, including Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, who were instrumental in the recent victory over Benin.
In midfield, Rwanda’s Olivier Niyonzima, Bonheur Mugisha, and Jean Bosco Rubineka will be key, while forwards Gilbert Mugisha, Bienvenu Mugenzi, and Innocent Nshuti, who scored against Libya, will be crucial for the Amavubi.
Eguavoen confirmed that all 23 members of the Nigerian squad, currently staying at the Radisson Blu in Kigali, are fit and available. Expect goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to start, supported by Ekong, Semi Ajayi, and Calvin Bassey in defense, with Olaoluwa Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi as wingbacks. Wilfred Ndidi will likely anchor the midfield alongside Alex Iwobi or Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, while Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, and Samuel Chukwueze could lead the attack.