Sport
“We Must Win Against the Super Eagles to Reach AFCON 2025” – Rwanda Coach
Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, is gearing up for a crucial clash against Nigeria’s Super Eagles as they aim to keep their dream of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations alive.
Head coach Torsten Spittler has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion, vowing they will fight tooth and nail to secure a vital victory.
The East Africans face a daunting task, needing nothing short of a win against one of Africa’s footballing giants.
The Super Eagles, currently ranked among the top teams on the continent, have already booked their place in the prestigious tournament set to take place in Morocco.
Nigeria has shown impressive form throughout the qualifiers, maintaining an unbeaten streak and sitting comfortably at the top of Group D.
Rwanda, on the other hand, sits third in the group with five points, trailing second-placed Benin Republic, who have seven points.
With only one match left, the Amavubi must pull off a stunning upset in Uyo to stand any chance of advancing.
During a pre-match press conference in Uyo, Spittler acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge but remained optimistic.
“If we want to secure our ticket to AFCON 2025, we have no choice but to win against Nigeria,” said the German tactician.
“It’s a tough mission, but I believe in my team. We are ready to fight until the very last minute. I expect an intense and thrilling game.”
For Rwanda, this is not just a game but a defining moment in their football journey.
Known for their fighting spirit, the Amavubi have shown flashes of brilliance during the qualifiers but struggled with consistency.
Spittler, who took charge of the team with a vision to transform them into strong contenders, sees this match as an opportunity to demonstrate their growth and resilience.
Barcelona is reportedly weighing up the possibility of cutting short Marcus Rashford’s loan spell just weeks after bringing him in from Manchester United, according to El Nacional.
Rashford, who made the switch to Spain in July after falling out of favour at Old Trafford, has found life at Camp Nou difficult to adapt to. The England international had already been sidelined from first-team training at United alongside Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia before sealing the move.
However, his early days in LaLiga have not gone as hoped. Barca chiefs are said to be unimpressed with his form and are now considering sending him back to Manchester. Rashford has featured in their opening three league matches but was hauled off at halftime in the clash against Levante, where Barcelona trailed 2-0 before pulling off a stunning 3-2 comeback.
Rashford was expected to inject fresh energy into Barcelona’s attack, but the pressure is already mounting as the club questions whether the loan was the right call.
Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle has made a bold call ahead of today’s World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, leaving out skipper William Troost-Ekong from the starting lineup.
Youngster Benjamin Fredericks will line up alongside Calvin Bassey in the heart of defence, with Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi taking up the full-back positions.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi is set to wear the armband and anchor the team, working alongside Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi. Up front, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen will spearhead the attack, flanked by Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman on the wings. The clash started at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo by 5:00 pm Nigerian time.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has heaped praise on Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, calling him the best player in Africa as the team prepares for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Uyo. Chelle defended his decision to bring Lookman into the squad despite his lack of recent game time, stressing that the Atalanta star’s quality and influence cannot be overlooked.
“Talking about Lookman, honestly, how do you make a squad list without the best player in Africa?” Chelle told reporters at his pre-match briefing. “It’s my responsibility to decide how much he can play, whether it’s five minutes or sixty. But leaving him out isn’t an option. I have full confidence in him.”
Lookman, who was crowned African Footballer of the Year and came close to a move to Inter Milan during the summer, has not featured for club or country since May 25. He had been working on his own fitness before linking up with the Super Eagles in camp. Nigeria will be counting on his spark and experience as they face Rwanda in a match that could decide their World Cup hopes.
