by In the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Benin Republic has ascended to the top of Group C, setting the stage for a pivotal clash between Rwanda and Nigeria. Benin’s recent performances have propelled them ahead in the standings, intensifying the stakes for the upcoming match.
Group C Standings:
1. Benin Republic – 7 points
2. Rwanda – 7 points
3. South Africa – 7 points
4. Lesotho – 4 points
5. Nigeria – 3 points
Rwanda and Nigeria are set to face off at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on March 21, 2025. This match is critical for both teams’ World Cup aspirations.
Rwanda has been resilient in their qualifiers, securing two wins in their last three matches. Notably, they achieved a historic 2-1 victory over Nigeria in Uyo during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last November. Their defense has been particularly strong, with three clean sheets in their previous four World Cup qualifying matches.
The Super Eagles have struggled, remaining winless in their last seven World Cup qualifying matches—a record drought for the team. Despite boasting talents like Victor Osimhen, who has netted 26 goals for Galatasaray this season, Nigeria has faced challenges in converting individual prowess into team success.
Head-to-Head Record:
Total Meetings: 7
Nigeria Wins: 2
Rwanda Wins: 1
Draws: 4
Notably, Nigeria has never secured a win on Rwandan soil, with all three previous away matches ending in draws.
Match Details:
Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM (Nigerian Time)
Venue: Amahoro Stadium, Kigali
A victory for Rwanda would solidify their position at the top of Group C, bringing them closer to a historic first-ever World Cup appearance. Conversely, Nigeria faces immense pressure to secure a win to revive their qualification hopes and avoid missing consecutive World Cup tournaments—a scenario not seen since their debut in 1994.
Given Rwanda’s defensive solidity and Nigeria’s recent struggles, the match is anticipated to be tightly contested. While Nigeria possesses superior individual talent, Rwanda’s cohesive team play and home advantage could see them securing at least a draw.
As the qualifiers progress, the outcome of this match will significantly influence the dynamics of Group C and the prospects of both nations on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
