Rwanda’s senior national team, the Amavubi, are expected to land in Uyo on Tuesday ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The East Africans will touch down in Akwa Ibom capital with a 25-man squad led by head coach Torsten Spittler, as they prepare for one of their toughest assignments in Group C of the African qualifiers.
Rwanda, who kicked off their campaign with a decent result in their opening fixtures, see the encounter against Nigeria as an opportunity to prove their growing pedigree on the continent. The Amavubi camp has been boosted with the arrival of several foreign-based stars, including skipper Thierry Manzi, Belgian-based midfielder Djihad Bizimana, and striker Jacques Tuyisenge.
Team officials disclosed that the squad has been in intensive camp in Kigali, working on tactics and fitness before departing for Uyo. “We respect Nigeria, but we are not here to make up the numbers,” coach Spittler told reporters before departure. “The boys are motivated, and we know what this match means for our World Cup dream.”
Nigeria, on their part, will be banking on their home support at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, as head coach Eric Chelle looks to consolidate the Super Eagles’ push for a place at the 2026 Mundial in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Both teams have met only a handful of times at the senior level, with Nigeria holding the upper hand historically.
However, the Amavubi are determined to cause an upset, drawing confidence from their spirited performances in recent competitive games.
The clash is scheduled for Saturday evening, with CAF officials already on ground in Uyo to ensure smooth organization.
A full house is expected at the stadium as fans eagerly await the Eagles’ return to international action on home soil.
