By Daily Sports Nigeria on September 6, 2025

The Super Eagles will battle Rwanda’s Wasps in a crucial World Cup qualifying encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday (today), with both teams needing victory in their quest to reach the 2026 tournament.

Nigeria sit fourth in Group C with seven points from six matches, six points behind leaders South Africa, whilst Rwanda are second on eight points alongside Benin Republic.

The three-time African champions face the prospect of missing a second consecutive World Cup after failing to qualify for the 2022 edition following a playoff defeat to Ghana.

Coach Eric Chelle’s side managed just one win in their opening six qualifiers, recording four draws and one defeat, with their most recent outing ending in a frustrating 1-1 home draw against bottom-placed Zimbabwe in June.

“People have already written us off. But I am not bothered by that,” Chelle told UK-based Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana.

“I am concentrating on preparing my players for the remaining four matches that we have. I think that we are going to surprise a lot of people.”

The Malian tactician started his tenure positively with a 2-0 away victory over Rwanda in the reverse fixture, but the momentum was quickly halted by the Zimbabwe stalemate.

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon acknowledged the team’s struggles, saying there were no excuses for their poor performances.

“We just have to win, there are no excuses. It doesn’t matter who scores, we don’t care, we just want to win,” Simon told ESPN.

“Everyone can stand up for you, we can speak with the coach that you have to play because now there is no time for excuses. We just need to give everything that we can.”

Rwanda coach Adel Amrouche remains bullish about his team’s chances despite the earlier defeat to Nigeria, pointing to their 2-1 victory in Uyo during the AFCON qualifiers in November.

“We already won here last year, and it’s a huge confidence boost going into the game tomorrow,” Amrouche told Own Goal Nigeria.

“I know Nigeria have star players who are good, respected and feared in Europe, but this is about a game and I have the secret of beating Nigeria.”

The Wasps have managed an even record of wins, draws and defeats from their six qualifiers, with their solid defence conceding just four goals whilst scoring the same number at the other end.

Source Punch Ng

Posted September 6, 2025

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