Rwanda Vs Nigeria Preview: Chelle’s Era Begins With World Cup Qualifier Make Or Mar Encounter
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Eric Chelle will be hoping for debut win today as he leads Nigeria to a crunch world cup qualifier against Rwanda.
The last two Super Eagles’ gaffers have garnered three points from four world cup qualifying matches played so far.
Super Eagles are in precarious situation lying fifth on the log four points adrift of today’s opponent and five points adrift of group leaders Benin Republic.
Sports writers, Analysts, enthusiasts,ex-footballers have been urging Super Eagles to pick the maximum three points today avoid embarrassment of missing two consecutive world cup
In three previous meetings going back 20 years in Rwanda, the Super Eagles have all managed to come away with three draws from all three games. A 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying match ended 1-1 at the Amahoro Stadium.
In 2011, a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo, in the outskirts of Kigali, ended scoreless, and last September, it was another 0-0 in a 2025 AFCON qualifying match at the Amahoro.
The recent meeting between them ended in 2-1 victory for Rwanda in Uyo last year
Eric Chelle is expected to stick with Stanley Nwabili at the goal for Nigeria.
While captain Troost Ekong and Calvin Bassey at the heart of the defence with Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi Manning the fullbacks.
As an attacking minded coach, Chelle might go with two of Ndidi/Iwobi/Onyedika in the midfield.
The reigning African player of the year Ademola Lookman,Nantes winger Moses Simon,AC Milan’s winger Samuel Chukwueze and Galatasaray hitman Victor Osimhen might lead the attack
The match is scheduled for 6pm Rwanda time (5pm Nigerian time).
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
