The Super Eagles journey to Uyo, this Saturday September 6, 2025, for a vital Nigeria world cup qualifiers game against Rwanda with kick-off set for 5 p.m. at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
So far, Nigeria sits fourth in Group C with 6 points in four matches, leaving them perilously close to not qualifying. A win is required to keep some hope alive given South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin ahead of them.
This is nothing new between the two countries. The teams have already met three times in the last two years. They played to a goalless draw in Kigali last September and in December Nigeria was shocked in Uyo when they dropped a 2-1 to Rwanda in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Luckily for the Nigeria Super Eagles they took back some confidence earlier this year rattling Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali and setting up what should be another interesting chapter in this recent rivalry.
The Nigeria national football team has performed poorly in this campaign. After 6 matches they find themselves with just one win and four draws, and are walking the line of elimination as they head to Uyo. Forward Moses Simon appeared uneasy about the team’s underwhelming performance and questioned the urgency of type of positioning. “We just have to win, there are no excuses,” he said, encouraging everyone to own their individual roles.
It appears that Nigeria’s poor form was exacerbated by instability. With Nigeria going through several coaches, including José Peseiro, Finidi George, and now Éric “Sekou” Chelle, players have explained how manager changes have impacted the tactical system and development. Simon recognized these disruptions earlier in the Nigeria campaign and acknowledged absent players who were likely not replaced in the campaign, but simultaneously embraced the current coach for the changes made so far.
Nigeria will put together their attacking firepower on the field this weekend, and integrating Victor Osimhen back into the squad will always prove to be important. The scored both goals in the first-leg over Rwanda back in March]. With Osimhen’s experience and finishing ability, they certainly would like to be firing all cylinders for the struggling side to ignite their performance.
For Rwanda, a good result could be monumental to establishing footing for World Cup qualification. Coach Adel Amrouche rang to attention some of the players from the domestic leagues, while deploying some overseas professionals, creating a nice blend of Rwandan players for this campaign.
To add to the intrigue for Group C, South Africa’s situation of using an ineligible player has yet to be resolved, resulting in possible sanctioning from FIFA and a points deduction. Nigeria cannot afford to sit on its hands waiting for a ruling in this bureaucratic mess; instead, they must focus on winning and salvaging their campaign.
This home game and an away game against South Africa just a few days later will bring the campaign to an end.
Check the home page for more latest Nigeria news.