After a shaky start in the qualification series, the Super Eagles find themselves in a tough spot following four rounds of matches.
With just three points earned, the three-time African champions find themselves behind Amavubi, South Africa, Benin Republic, and Lesotho.
Eric Chelle’s men know that anything less than a victory in this crucial fixture would severely jeopardize their qualification hopes. With this in mind, they will be pushing hard for all three points.
Rwanda, on the other hand, will face the West Africans with great optimism, having remained unbeaten against them in their last two encounters.
In fact, the East Africans secured a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in their most recent match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Below, Flashscore provides all the essential details, including how to watch, information on the referees, and more.
When is the World Cup qualifier?
The match between Rwanda and Nigeria is scheduled for 17:00 (West African Time) on Friday, March 21
What TV channels are showing the game?
Date: March 21st, 2025
Time: 17:00 WAT (Nigeria 5pm)
Channels: SuperSport, AfroSport
Nigeria squad
Goalkeepers: Amas Obasogie, Kayode Bankole, Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, William Troost-Ekong
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Alhassan Yusuf, Joe Aribo, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Raphael Onyedika, Wilfred Ndidi.
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, Sadiq Umar, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Victor Boniface, Victor Osimhen.
Nigeria possible XI: Nwabali, Onyemaechi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Aina, Onyedika, Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Lookman, Osimhen
Rwanda squad
Goalkeepers: Herve Nyirahabimana, Fiacre Ntwari, Bimenyimana Claude, Ntwali Aimable
Defenders: Fitina Omborenga, Thierry Manzi, Ange Mutsinzi, Mugisha Herve, Niyomugabo Abdoul, Ishimwe Yannick
Midfielders: Djihad Bizimana, Steve Rubanguka, Bonheur Mugisha, Charles Bimenyimana, Mugisha Leopold, Niyongira Innocent, Hakizimana Jean Bosco, Nshuti Gilbert, Niyongira Saidi
Forwards: Innocent Nshuti, Hakim Sahabo, Yves Mugunga, Nshuti Samuel, Mugisha York, Mugisha Gilbert, Niyongira Rafiki
Rwanda possible XI: Ntwari, Omborenga, Manzi, Mutsinzi, Imanishimwe, Bizimana, A. Mugisha, Ruboneka, Y. Mugisha, Rafiki, Nshuti
Where is the match?
Amahoro Stadium, Kigali
Also known as the Amahoro National Stadium, the facility is a 45,508-capacity stadium located in the Gasabo district of Kigali.
The stadium has witnessed various renovations, In August 2022, SUMMA, a Turkiye-based construction company, secured a deal worth $165 million to renovate Amahoro stadium with Petit stade indoor sports, the upgrade increased the capacity to 45,508 seats.
What has been said?
Captain William Troost-Ekong says his teammates are fired up for the encounter, emphasising the importance of securing a win against Rwanda and highlighting the Super Eagles' strong determination to achieve victory.
"Everything has been good, first training session, all the boys in camp, we’re fired up," the Saudi Arabia-based defender told the Super Eagles media.
"Of course, we know we have a big job ahead, it comes with the pressure but I keep saying to everyone that this pressure is a privilege so all the boys are feeling that.
"We are very happy to work with the new coach, he has given us a lot of new instructions, for us it’s just to make sure that we understand what he wants from us on Friday, but we are working towards that now."
Who will officiate the match?
Jayed Jalal from Morocco will officiate this fixture and will be assisted by his compatriots Mostapha Akarkad (Assistant Referee 1), and Hamza Nassiri (Assistant Referee 2).
