
Date: Thursday 21st March, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm
Stadium:
Referee:
Goal Scorer:
Team News
Rwanda
Yunusu Nshimiyimana and Fitina Omborenga are not expected to play against Nigeria on compassionate grounds following their father's passing on Monday.
Rwanda, joint-second lowest scorers in Group C with three goals, have had different goalscorers, with Innocent Nshuti, Gilbert Mugisha and Jojea Kwizera finding the net for the Wasps.
Having conceded only one goal in qualifying, Fiacre Ntwari could register his fourth clean sheet for the East African nation if they prevent the Super Eagles from scoring.
It will be intriguing to see if Chelle opts for the 4-3-1-2 formation used during his time as Mali boss at the previous Cup of Nations, or if he decides on a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 with the continental giants.
Rwanda possible starting lineup:
Ntwari; Niyigena, Mutsinzi, Manzi, Niyomugabo; Sahabo, Bizimana, Rubanguka; Rafael, Nshuti, Mugisha
Nigeria
After missing Nigeria's draw with South Africa and loss to Benin in June 2024 due to injury, Osimhen, who has scored 26 goals for Galatasaray this term, seeks to find the net for the first time in World Cup qualifying in Kigali.
In-form Nantes winger, Moses Simon, could start in a front three alongside current African Footballer of the Year Lookman and Osimhen, or he may be deployed as one of the wingers if Chelle plumps for a 4-4-2 formation.
The lack of players in defence means the back four is almost predetermined, with Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi as full-backs flanking William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey.
Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyedika, Iwobi; Simon, Osimhen, Lookman
Prediction: Rwanda 1-1 Nigeria
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