BETTING TIPS: Nigeria vs Rwanda Match Preview, Stats, Team News and Betting Guide

Nigeria host Rwanda in CAF's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers that will be played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, a clash that is a do-or-die affair for the Super Eagles.

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Sitting in fourth, Nigeria are nine points adrift of Group C leaders South Africa and must win to stay in contention. Rwanda are second alongside Benin on eight points.

Match Preview

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After the heartbreak of missing the 2022 FIFA World Cup, falling to fellow West African giants Ghana, another intercontinental showpiece absence will not hold good stead with the Super Eagles faithful.

Nigeria are on their third coach in these qualifiers with Finidi George, who led them to the AFCON 2024 final, where they fell to the Ivory Coast.

After a poor start to the World Cup qualifiers, losing to Benin, coach Finidi resigned, and interim coach Augustine Eguavon took over, who was then replaced with the appointment of Eric Chelle.

Nigeria have played six group matches, won one, drawn four, a shocking 1-1 stalemate against bottom-placed Zimbabwe, and have lost one match.

On both ends of the box, the Super Eagles have scored seven goals and conceded six in the qualifiers.

The poor qualifiers form, coupled with a forgettable CHAN championship, has pressure piling on the Super Eagles.

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In the last five competitive meetings, Nigeria has won two matches, drawn two and lost one, losing in the last game these two sides met in Nigeria.

Nigeria have a star-studded European-based contingent that will welcome back Chippa United shot stopper Stanley Nwabali, who has featured for his club in all their league fixtures, keeping no clean sheets.

William Troost Ekong will likely marshal the backline with Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina.

In midfield, Alex Iwobi will look to act as the link and feeder to Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukweze and Ademola Lookman.

Osimhen will carry the attacking firepower, having scored in the reverse fixture and also having scored three of the last four qualification goals for the Super Eagles.

Rwanda, under coach Adel Amrouche, known for his ability to grind out results, will look to pull a surprise on Nigeria and right the wrongs of the reverse fixture.

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In the group, Rwanda have won two matches, drawn two and lost two, scoring four and conceding four.

Rwanda have lost four of their last five away games, the only away win coming against? Yes, Nigeria.

Having failed to score in their last four matches, it should be a tough outing against a worthy opponent with a lot at stake.

Key Pointers

Nigeria has only lost once against Rwanda

Rwanda have lost four of their last five away games

Nigeria have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five matches against Rwanda

Only once has this fixture had more than two goals.

Our prediction: Nigeria to win

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