Ifeanyi Udeze has acknowledged Nigeria’s difficulties in securing victories against Rwanda on their home turf as the Super Eagles prepare for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The match, set for March 17, 2025, in Kigali, sees Rwanda leading Group C with seven points, while Nigeria sits in fifth place, four points adrift.
For new head coach Eric Chelle and his squad to have any hopes of qualifying for the next World Cup, they must win all their remaining six games. Among those crucial fixtures is the away clash with Rwanda, a team Nigeria has never beaten on their own soil. In three previous visits, the Eagles have only managed draws, scoring just once.
Udeze, who featured in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Rwanda during the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, recalled the challenge of facing them in Kigali. Speaking on Brila FM’s Sports Machine, he expressed hope for a different outcome this time. He emphasized that securing a win in Rwanda is crucial if Nigeria wants to qualify.
Meanwhile, the Rwanda Football Association confirmed the appointment of Algerian coach Adel Amrouche as the new head of the national team, replacing German manager Torsten Spittler.