As the Super Eagles prepare to take on Rwanda in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, Nigerian football fans are eagerly anticipating a victory, particularly due to the team’s slow start in the series.
The three-time African champions are fifth in a six-team group, four points behind leaders Rwanda, and must win in Kigali to stand a chance of reaching the Mundial in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
It will be the first game for newly-appointed coach Eric Chelle, who will also intend to make a statement with his debut game in charge of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations runners-up.
Coming Up: WCQ vs Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/ZTqyoOtNvG
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Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 20, 2025
To achieve this, Chelle must employ a tactical masterstroke that leverages the team’s strengths while exploiting Rwanda’s weaknesses.
There is no gainsaying that the team is blessed with explosive wingers at the moment, and Chelle might prefer to go all out and empower his wingers to be fearless, however, it has to be cleverly done, and other departments on the pitch must contribute their quota.
Nigeria must dominate possession and control the tempo of the game. This can be achieved by deploying a strong midfield trio in a 4-3-3 formation comprising Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, and Alex Iwobi.
While Ndidi is strong and energetic, Onyedika is also in that mould, but he adds flair and finesse to his game. Iwobi’s creativity is needed in a game of this magnitude. He does it for Fulham and has to replicate the form by creating scoring opportunities, linking up with the wingers and must drive through the attack with a lot of confidence.
Their creativity, work rate, and vision will enable the Super Eagles to dictate the flow of the game.
Thank you Wiz Baba https://t.co/XGRUqVnrsp
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Chelle should also set up his wingers to hug the touchlines and provide width. This will stretch Rwanda’s defence, creating space for the fullbacks to make overlapping runs, and deliver crosses into the box.
Victor Osimhen’s antecedents, his energy and finishing ability make him the ideal candidate to lead the attack. However, he should be well supported by the wingers to provide a different dimension to the attack.
Defensively, the Super Eagles must be solid and compact, with William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey forming a strong central defensive partnership, while the fullbacks should be cautious not to give away fouls in critical areas.
The midfielders must also provide adequate cover to prevent Rwanda’s attackers from finding space.
Positive Energy
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Nigeria has the depth to overcome Rwanda. However, it will require a well-executed game plan, tactical discipline, and a desire to win. If the Super Eagles can achieve this, they will take a significant step towards victory.
It is difficult to predict what Chelle’s first lineup will be, but I fancy Stanley Nwabali to be retained in goal, while Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel get the nod in a back four.
Ndidi, Onyedika and Iwobi are my candidates in the middle, while Ademola Lookman, Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze complete the eleven in a 4-3-3 formation.
