Five Rwanda players to watch against Nigeria

Nigeria and Rwanda during the Men’s 2025 AFCON qualifier match between Nigeria and Rwanda at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on November 18, 2024 in Uyo, Nigeria. [Photo Credit/ ImagoxVictor-Oguegbe].

The Super Eagles of Nigeria welcome the Amavubi of Rwanda to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Eric Chelle‘s side are currently 4th in Group D and need to defeat Adel Amrouche’s side, who are one point above the Super Eagles in the Group Rankings. Both sides have their work cut out in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers journey.

Ahead of the highly anticipated fixture on Saturday, Soccernet.ng highlights five Rwandan players who could pose a significant threat to the Super Eagles when they meet.

Moses Simon and Stanley Nwabali during the Men’s FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Rwanda in March 2025.. Copyright: ImagoxKarpushevx
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Five Amavubi stars to watch Nigeria
1. Fiacre Ntwari

The 25-year-old Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper has been second fiddle for his club side since the last time Rwanda played against the Super Eagles.

However, he made four crucial saves against Nigeria when both sides locked horns in November 2024, and could be pivotal at the Nest of Champions in two days.

2. Nshuti Innocent

The 26-year-old forward was a thorn in Nigeria’s flesh in Uyo back in November, and found the back of the net to give the Rwandans three points.

Without a doubt, Adel Amrouche will be looking to play to the attacker’s strengths on Saturday.

Jojea Kwizera looks to centre the ball against Charlotte FC in the Major League Soccer match-up at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. [Photo Credit/ Imago].3. Jojea Kwizera

The 26-year-old Rhode Island wing-back came off the bench in Uyo last year to provide a brilliant assist and turn the game around in Rwanda’s favour as they sealed a 2-1 victory.

He’ll be one to watch, should Amrouche decide to play his joker card off the bench at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium this weekend.

Djihad Bizimana of FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih during the match between Real Betis and FC Kryvbas of UEFA Conference League match played at Benito Villamarin Stadium on August 29, 2024, in Sevilla, Spain. [Photo Credit/ Imago].4. Djihad Bizimana

The FC Kryvbas defensive midfielder captained the Amavubi during their trip to Uyo last year, and his physicality won a huge number of duels in the middle of the park.

He’ll be hoping to inspire his teammates to recreate history as they also look to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history.

The Rwandan players in training ahead of their fixture against the Super Eagles of Nigeria. [Photo Credit/ Rwanda FA on X].5. Arthur Gitego

The FUS Rabat striker is yet to find the back of the net for Rwanda in five appearances. However, with a height of 1.9m, Gitego can be a useful asset to the Amavubi frontline, especially from set pieces, to set a domineering presence over the Nigerian defenders.

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria.

With a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience.

He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.