The Super Eagles were left frustrated in their last outing, as Tawanda Blessing Chirewa’s late strike forced them to settle for a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe despite taking the lead through Victor Osimhen.
That result dealt a significant blow to their hopes of closing the gap on Group C leaders South Africa.
For Coach Eric Chelle and his team, the stakes could not be higher. Anything less than victory against the Amavubi would severely damage Nigeria’s chances of returning to the global stage, having missed out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Encouragingly, the Super Eagles enter this clash with confidence, buoyed by their 2-0 triumph in the reverse fixture, where Osimhen’s first-half brace sealed all three points at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
On the other hand, Rwanda remain firmly in contention for a historic first-ever World Cup appearance. The East Africans currently sit second in the group, with eight points from six games, and will be determined to protect their momentum in front of their supporters.
Below, Flashscore brings you all the key details ahead of the clash, including broadcast information, referee assignments, and more.
When is the World Cup qualifier?
The match between Nigeria and Rwanda is scheduled for 17:00 (West African Time) on Saturday, September 6.
Where can you watch the game on TV?
Date: September 6th, 2025
Time: 17:00 WAT
Channels: SuperSport, AfroSport
Nigeria’s squad:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili; Amas Obasogie; Adeleye Adebayo.
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong; Calvin Bassey; Olaoluwa Aina; Bright Osayi-Samuel; Bruno Onyemaechi; Chidozie Awaziem; Felix Agu; Benjamin Fredericks.
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi; Frank Onyeka; Wilfred Ndidi; Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Raphael Onyedika; Christantus Uche.
Forwards: Ademola Lookman; Samuel Chukwueze; Victor Osimhen; Moses Simon; Cyriel Dessers; Tolu Arokodare.
Nigeria's possible XI: Nwabali, Troost-Ekong, Osay-Samuel, Aina, Bassey, Onyemaechi, Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Lookman, Osimhen
Rwanda's squad:
Goalkeepers: Clement Buhake (Ullensaker/Kisa, Norway), Pierre Ishimwe (APR), Fiacre Ntwali (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa)
Defenders: Thierry Manzi (Al Ahly Tripoli, Libya), Phanuel Kavita (Birmingham Legion, USA), Ange Mutsinzi (Zira, Azerbaijan), Alex Nduwayo (APR), Darrly Nganji Nkurikiyimana (Standard Liege, Belgium), Claude Niyomugabo (APR), Emmanuel Nshimiyimana (Rayon Sports), Fitina Ombalenga (APR)
Midfielders: Djihadi Bizimana (Al Ahly Tripoli, Libya), Claude Kayitaba (Bedford Town, England), Bonheur Mugisha (Al Masry, Egypt), Kevin Muhire (Jamus, South Sudan), Christian Mukudju (Elite Football Club), Bryan Clovis Ngwabije (Dieppe, France)
Forwards: Abeddy Biramahire (Entente Setif, Algeria), Arthur Gitego (FUS Rabat, Morocco), Aly Enzo Hamon (Angouleme, France), Anicet Ishimwe (Olympique Beja, Tunisia), Djabilu Ishimwe (Etincelles), Jojea Kwizera (Rhode Island, USA), Gilbert Mugisha (APR), David Niyo (SC Kiyovu), Innocent Nshuti (ES Zarzis, Tunisia).
Rwanda's possible XI: Ntwari, Omborenga, Manzi, Mutsinzi, Niyomuagabo, Bizimana, Muhire, Rubanguka, Mugisha, Nshuti, Kwizera
Where is the match?
Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo
The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, formerly known as the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, is a 30,000-capacity national sports arena located in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State. Beyond hosting the Nigerian Super Eagles, the stadium also serves as a hub for social, cultural, political, and religious events.
Construction of the stadium complex, along with its adjoining Games Village, was awarded to Julius Berger in 2012 and completed in 2014. Designed as an ultra-modern, multi-purpose sports facility, the 30,000-seater arena was modelled after Germany’s iconic Allianz Arena, making it one of the most striking sporting venues in Nigeria.
What has been said ahead of the match?
Stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong remains optimistic about the Super Eagles’ chances of securing victory in the Akwa Ibom State capital.
"We’re here now, just waiting for the last few players to arrive very shortly. I’m looking forward to having a full house in training tonight,” he told the media.
“The boys are very focused, and we’re looking forward to the game on Saturday. I want to thank the fans for their support, and I ask them to continue encouraging us - be there in the stadium on Saturday, keep praying for us, and rally with everyone else in Nigeria."
“It’s going to be an important set of games for us, starting on Saturday. We know the gravity of this game, and we’ll remain focused on our preparation, because that’s what will give us confidence for the match.”
Three days after facing Adel Amrouche’s side, Chelle’s men will head to the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein for a crucial clash against group leaders South Africa.
Nigeria are desperate to return to the World Cup after missing out on Qatar 2022, when they fell to Ghana’s Black Stars in the play-offs.
Follow the match with Flashscore
