Rwanda’s national team, the Amavubi, will touch down in Lagos on Tuesday ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria in Uyo.
A one-man advance delegation will arrive in Lagos on Monday to prepare for the team’s arrival. The full squad is expected aboard a RwandAir flight scheduled to land at 1:15 pm on Tuesday, before proceeding to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, by 4 pm the same day.
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The Matchday 7 clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium has become pivotal for both sides, with group leaders South Africa sitting on 13 points pending FIFA’s ruling on their use of an ineligible player against Lesotho.
Rwanda are second on eight points, level with Benin Republic, while Nigeria sit fourth with seven points. Lesotho follow with six, and Zimbabwe are bottom on four.
With FIFA’s decision still pending, the encounter between Nigeria and Rwanda takes on added importance. Both teams know victory could place them in a strong position to capitalise on any sanction against Bafana Bafana.
Saturday’s meeting will rekindle recent memories. The Super Eagles beat Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali in March during Matchday 5, but the Amavubi shocked Nigeria 2-1 at the same Uyo venue in September 2024 during the AFCON qualifiers, though that win was not enough to seal their ticket.
Looking ahead, Rwanda host Zimbabwe on Matchday 8, while Nigeria face a tough trip to Bloemfontein to battle current leaders South Africa.
