World Cup (Q): Rwanda coach Adel Amrouche not afraid of Nigeria

Rwanda national team head coach Adel Amrouche stated that the Amavubi will face Nigeria with a winning mentality in Saturday’s 2026 World Cup qualifying clash.

The Algerian tactician made this known while speaking to the press ahead of Rwanda’s 2026 World Cup qualifier match against the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Nigeria on Saturday.

Amrouche expressed respect for the host but claimed the aim is to be at the top and move forward.

“When you play the super Eagles you must respect your opponent and we must respect ourselves. Because we have the mentality to move forward, see forward and be at the top.”

He also added that they are coming into the game with a winning mentality, saying the Amavubi intend to represent Africa at the World Cup finals.

“Our task is to bring that winning mentality, it’s our job. We didn’t come here to be nice we have our dream to be one of the teams representing Africa.”

Rwanda captain Djihad Bizimana said that they are not the underdogs in the competition as they are here to win and qualify for the World Cup.

“The underdog (label) I don’t accept. We are also a team that can compete, we showed it the last time that we were here. We are coming here to play good football and try to win the game. Because if you see on the table we have a chance if we win. We have a chance to qualify for the World Cup.”

Rwanda currently sits third in group C with eight points, while Nigeria is fourth.

In their last World Cup qualifying meeting on March 21, three-time African champions Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory over Amavubi in Kigali.

However, in November 2024, Rwanda stunned Nigeria 2-1 at Saturday’s venue in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying as they came just short of joining the Super Eagles at the upcoming finals in Morocco.

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