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RWANDA will be targeting another win in the World Cup football qualifiers when they go up against Nigeria at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali tomorrow night.
The hosts in this fixture are occupying the top of the Group C standings having won two matches, drawn one and lost one fixture in their qualifying campaign.
Their most recent result in the qualifiers was a 1-0 victory over Lesotho. Amavubi are tied on points with South Africa and Benin in the group, with their lead due to having a superior goal difference.
As for the Super Eagles, they’ve had a disappointing start to the World Cup qualifiers as they’ve only managed to pick up three points from four matches.
They have not managed a win in the campaign and are fifth in the standings, a point above last-placed Zimbabwe.
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen seems to be eager to get started under the guidance of newly-appointed head coach Eric Chelle.
“It takes more than a coach to win football matches. Players must also be at their best, show commitment, and bear in mind that we can all fly together to reach our goal,” he says.
“There’s a new manager now, and we are desperately looking forward to the game against Rwanda to try to correct all the previous mistakes we’ve made and put ourselves in a better position to qualify.”
The Rwandese Federation of Association Football (FERWAFA) has also appointed a new coach, Algerian tactician Adel Amrouche ahead of the crucial qualifying matches.
At his introduction, Amrouche expressed confidence in his ability to succeed, but stressed the importance of support from both the Rwanda Football Federation and the Rwandan public.
“I work a lot, I’m not a coach who talks too much. Everyone has a role to play for the team’s success including the journalists because you are part of the development of football,” he said.
“Me alone, I can’t do anything. Everyone must get involved.”
While Nigeria boast a more impressive football history with three Afcon titles and six World Cup appearances, matches against Rwanda have typically been close.
In their seven prior meetings Nigeria have two wins, four draws and one loss.
Notably all three matches played in Rwanda have ended in draws with Nigeria’s only goal there coming from Obafemi Martins during a 2005 World Cup qualifier.
The Super Eagles are entering a new era under the tenure of coach Eric Chelle, who already has the buy-in of key forward Victor Osimhen.
“I’ve spoken to him a couple of times and clearly understand the objectives he has set for himself and for the players,” said the Galatasaray striker. “It takes more than a coach to win football matches. Players must also be at their best, show commitment, and bear in mind that we can all fly together to reach our goal.”
Nigeria, the highest-ranked team in Group C, sit in a disappointing fifth place after drawing three and losing one of their four games.
Having missed the 2022 World Cup, the Super Eagles are in danger of missing back-to-back tournaments for the first time since makig their debut appearance at USA ’94.
Their campaign began with a frustrating 1-1 draw at home to Lesotho, where Semi Ajayi salvaged a point after the visitors took a shock second-half lead.
Another 1-1 draw followed away to Zimbabwe, with Kelechi Iheanacho coming to Nigeria’s rescue.
Back in Uyo, Nigeria again had to come from behind to draw 1-1 with South Africa, thanks to Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s first goal for the Super Eagles. – soccernetng/SuperSport.com
Online Reporter