David Flower
Dailysports's expert
One of the matches of the fifth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers will be played on Friday in Kigali, where the Rwandan national team will host Nigeria. I suggest betting on goals in this match with good chances of success.
Match preview
In recent years, the Rwandan national team has not delighted its fans with consistently bright results, but in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the "Wasps" have finally shown their potential. After four rounds, they confidently occupy the first place in their group, having suffered only one defeat — away to Benin (0:1).
At the same time, Rwanda achieved key victories by defeating South Africa at home (2:0) and Lesotho away (1:0). Three teams in the group have scored seven points each, but thanks to a better goal difference, Rwanda is ahead of its competitors. Meanwhile, in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers, they failed to secure a spot in the tournament: the team finished in third place with 8 points, losing to Benin on additional indicators.
The situation for the Nigerian national team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers leaves much to be desired. After four rounds, the team is in fifth place with only three points. Nigeria has yet to achieve a single victory, drawing three times, and is four points behind the top three.
However, in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers, the "Super Eagles" showed their best side. In six matches, they suffered only one defeat, securing three victories — two of which were against Libya, and one against Benin. With 11 points, Nigeria confidently won the group, ahead of Benin and Rwanda by three points.
Probable lineups
- Rwanda: Ntwari; Niyomugabo, Niyigena, Mutsinzi, Ombolenga; Muhire, B Bizimana, Mugisha; G Mugisha, Kwizera, Nshuti.
- Nigeria: Nwabali, Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Aina, Ndidi, Dele-Bashiru, Onyemaechi, Chukwueze, Lookman, Boniface
Match facts and head-to-head
- In the African Cup of Nations qualifiers, Rwanda defeated Nigeria away, but ultimately missed out on the tournament.
- Only in one of the five matches between these teams did the "Total over 2.5" bet win.
- The "Both teams to score" option won in one of five matches.
Prediction
Bookmakers favor Nigeria, but Rwanda already punished the Nigerians in the fall, defeating them away. We believe it is worth taking the "Total under 2.0" with odds of 1.75.
