match preview Nigeria: Rwanda lineup

It is crunch time for Nigeria. With their World Cup qualifying campaign teetering on the edge, the Super Eagles host Rwanda in Uyo knowing anything less than victory could hand South Africa the ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On paper, Nigeria have the stars, the pedigree, the FIFA ranking, and the home crowd. But football isn’t won on paper. It’s won on grass, and Rwanda have already shown they can sting.That puts head coach Eric Chelle under the spotlight.

The Malian tactician is unbeaten in his five matches in charge of the Super Eagles, but this fixture is by far the biggest test yet. His team sheet will be scrutinised, and every tactical tweak will be magnified.

Eric Chelle has inherited one of Africa’s most talented squads, but talent without direction is wasted.Rwanda have proven awkward customers.

They beat Nigeria here in AFCON qualifying last year and currently sit above the Super Eagles in the group standings. Anything short of a win will feel like a disaster for Chelle’s men.The Super Eagles have the firepower. The question is whether Chelle has the courage to make the right calls. Tonight, Nigeria’s World Cup hopes rest not just on Osimhen’s boots but on Chelle’s clipboard.

Nigeria possible lineup (4-4-2 diamond):Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Fredrick, Bassey; Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Simon; Dessers, Osimhen.

Rwanda possible lineup (5-4-1):Ntwari; Niyomugabo, Manzi, Mutsinzi, Ngwabije, Omborenga; Mugisha, Niyigena, Hamon, Bizimana; Kagere