Nigeria will make the trip to Amahoro Stadium for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter with Rwanda on Friday, 21 March 2025. View our free Rwanda vs Nigeria predictions below.
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Rwanda vs Nigeria predictions: Goals at both ends
Key stats
- Both teams found the net in each of Rwanda's last three games.
- Nigeria have lost only one competitive away game in almost eight years.
- Six of Rwanda's last seven games went above the 2.5-goal threshold.
Correct score prediction: Rwanda 2-2 Nigeria
Rwanda have hosted Nigeria on three occasions and all three clashes ended in stalemates.
Given that both teams scored in three of Nigeria's last four games, and in each of Rwanda's last three matches, we should also expect goals at both ends.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Nigeria are expected winners
- HOME: 17/5 (4.40) – 22.7%
- DRAW: 7/4 (2.75) – 36.4%
- AWAY: 10/11 (1.91) – 52.4%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Nigeria have had a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign so far, failing to win their first four group games. Under new coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles will hope to get their qualifying campaign back on track.
On the other hand, Rwanda are Group C leaders with seven points from a possible 12. Despite being underdogs, they defeated the Super Eagles on the road last November in their most recent competitive game.
Ahead of this clash, Nigeria are the expected winners at 10/11 (1.91). Teams with these odds generally have a 52.4% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Rwanda vs Nigeria predictions.
We have pointed out that at least three goals were scored in six of Rwanda's last seven matches. On that note, over 2.5 total goals has an appealing look at
17/10 (2.70). That one has a 37% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: An even contest
This will be the eighth clash between Rwanda and Nigeria. The Super Eagles narrowly lead the H2H with a 2-4-1 win-draw-loss record.
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 18/11/24
Nigeria
Rwanda
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 10/09/24
Rwanda
Nigeria
African Nations Championship 15/01/18
Nigeria
Rwanda
Rwanda preview: Sights set on their first World Cup appearance
Following his goal-scoring exploits in the Rwandan top flight this season, striker Yves Habimana has been handed his first invitation to the national team by new coach Adel Amrouche for two crucial games this month.
Amrouche also brought back a few players who have been missing from Rwanda’s squad for some time: Djabel Manishimwe, Jojea Kwizera, Hakim Sahabo, York Rafael, and Anicet Ishimwe.
Predicted lineup: Ntwari (GK), Omborenga, Manzi, Mutsinzi, Imanishimwe, Bizimana, B. Mugisha, Dushimimana, Ruboneka, G. Mugisha & Nshuti.
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 25/03/25
D
Lesotho
1
Rwanda
1
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 21/03/25
L
Nigeria
2
Rwanda
0
African Nations C'ship Qualifying 28/12/24
W
South Sudan
1
Rwanda
2
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 18/11/24
W
Nigeria
1
Rwanda
2
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 14/11/24
L
Libya
1
Rwanda
0
Nigeria preview: Eyeing their first win in the qualifiers
Coach Chelle named a 23-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers this month, with four players earning their first call-ups: Igoh Ogbu, Tolu Arokodare, Papa Daniel Mustapha, and Kayode Bankole.
However, Taiwo Awoniyi, captain Ahmed Musa, and Kelechi Iheanacho are notable absentees from the team.
Predicted lineup: Nwabali (GK), Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi, Ndidi, Onyedika, Iwobi, Simon, Lookman & Osimhen.
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 25/03/25
D
Zimbabwe
1
Nigeria
1
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 21/03/25
W
Rwanda
0
Nigeria
2
African Nations C'ship Qualifying 28/12/24
W
Ghana
1
Nigeria
3
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 18/11/24
L
Rwanda
2
Nigeria
1
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 14/11/24
D
Benin
1
Nigeria
1
Player to watch: Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen missed Nigeria's first four World Cup qualifying games. With an impressive six goals in his last three appearances, the Galatasaray forward should be able to cause some problems for Rwanda in his first international game of the year.