Rwanda head coach Adel Amrouche is still struggling to digest Amavubi’s narrow 1-0 loss to Nigeria in Uyo on Saturday, a result that has left their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign hanging by a thread.
The defeat at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium pushed Rwanda down to fourth in Group C with just eight points, and the East Africans are now winless in their last five matches across all competitions.
Nigeria, boosted by the win, climbed to third with 10 points, but they still trail leaders South Africa by six points. The Super Eagles now face a high-stakes trip to Johannesburg on Tuesday, September 9, in what could define the group.
For Amrouche, the performance against Nigeria was spirited but ultimately lacking in precision:
“Yes, we came with a plan to defeat Nigeria. We held our opponent and created chances, but we did not put enough pressure or convert our opportunities. Sometimes you score by forcing mistakes, and that’s what we lacked. We must learn from this,” he told reporters after the game.
The coach praised goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, who made a string of saves to keep Rwanda in the contest, while insisting Nigeria’s win was more about fortune than dominance.
The timing of Rwanda’s dip in form comes as Zimbabwe prepares to meet them next Tuesday in what has become a basement battle of Group C. The Warriors, who remain bottom with four points after a disappointing run, know that only victory can breathe life into their qualification bid.
Both sides are desperate for points — Rwanda to revive slim hopes, Zimbabwe to avoid being completely cut adrift.
Group C Standings (after Matchday 7)
🇿🇦 South Africa – 16 pts
🇧🇯 Benin – 11 pts
🇳🇬 Nigeria – 10 pts
🇷🇼 Rwanda – 8 pts
🇱🇸 Lesotho – 6 pts
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe – 4 pts