Rwanda’s national football team, the Amavubi, is set to arrive in Lagos on Tuesday ahead of their high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
The team will touch down at 1:15 PM aboard a Rwandair flight and proceed to Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, by 4 PM.
The Matchday 7 encounter is pivotal for both teams, currently trailing group leaders South Africa, who sit atop the group with 13 points.
Rwanda and Benin Republic are tied on eight points, while Nigeria occupies fourth with seven points.
A favourable FIFA ruling on South Africa’s alleged use of an ineligible player in their March win over Lesotho could see the Amavubi leap to nine points with a win ¹.
The Super Eagles and Amavubi have a history of intense matches.
Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory in Kigali five months ago, while Rwanda achieved a 2-1 comeback win at Godswill Akpabio Stadium nine months ago.
Although Rwanda’s win wasn’t enough to qualify for the AFCON, the team will be looking to cause an upset against Nigeria.
After facing Nigeria, Rwanda will play bottom-placed Zimbabwe on Matchday 8, while Nigeria will challenge group leaders South Africa in Bloemfontein.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s U17 boys team, the Golden Eaglets, are gearing up for the WAFU-B U17 Boys Tournament.
The five-time world champions have played 11 preparatory friendlies, registering nine wins, one draw, and one loss.
In their latest friendlies, they defeated Darazo Football Academy of Bauchi 2-0 and drew 1-1 with Gombe U17 Boys in a rain-affected match.
