As the countdown draws close to Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have said picking the three points at stake was non-negotiable.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles take on hosts Amavubis of Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, on Friday at 6:00p.m. Rwanda time (5:00p.m. Nigeria time).

Team captain, William Ekong, told newsmen on Wednesday that the players were focused and unfazed by talks of Nigeria never beating Rwanda on their home turf.

“Actually, we read about that in some places, but we are not bothered.

“I was part of the last game in Kigali, which ended scoreless, but we know that we cannot afford a draw this time.

“Our objective is to pick the three points and bring some life back into our campaign.

“We are certainly not concerned about history books and what has happened before now. Qualification for the FIFA World Cup is our priority,” he said.

The three-time African champions are yet to achieve victory over Rwanda in that country, going back 20 years.

A 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying match ended 1-1 at the Amahoro Stadium.

In 2011, a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo, in the outskirts of Kigali, ended scoreless.

In September last year, another 0-0 was the outcome of a 2025 AFCON qualifying match at the Amahoro Stadium.


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/2026-w-cup-qualifier-eagles-say-3-points-against-rwanda-non-negotiable/