Rwanda’s head coach, Adel Amrouche, has unveiled a 27-man provisional squad for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe, scheduled for September 6 and 9,
The squad features Zira Futbol Klubu’s defender Ange Mutsinzi and Esperance Sportif de Zarzis striker Innocent Nshuti — both of whom scored against Nigeria in the AFCON qualifiers last November when Rwanda shocked the Super Eagles with a 2-1 victory in Uyo.
Also included are three goalkeepers, led by Kaizer Chiefs’ reliable shot-stopper Ntwari Fiacre, alongside nine defenders, six midfielders, and nine forwards.
The Super Eagles will draw confidence from their 2-0 victory over Rwanda in their previous World Cup qualifier clash played in March, where Victor Osimhen bagged a brace at the Amahoro Stadium.
Despite that setback, Rwanda will approach the upcoming tie with belief, having avoided defeat in two of their last three meetings with Nigeria. They played a goalless draw in Kigali during the first leg of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers before pulling off the memorable 2-1 win in Uyo.
Rwanda are currently second in the qualifying group with eight points from six matches, one point ahead of fourth-placed Nigeria. Amrouche’s men will thus be eager to secure back-to-back victories to strengthen their bid for a historic World Cup ticket
RWANDA’S FULL 27-MAN PROVISIONAL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Ntwari Fiacre, Buhake Clement Twizere, Ishimwe Pierre
Defenders: Niyomugabo Claude, Omborenga Fitina, Nshimiyimana Emmanuel, Mutsinzi Ange, Nkulikiyamana Darryl Nganji, Manzi Thierry, Kavita Phanuel Mabaya, Nduwayo Alexis, Maes Dylan Georges Francis
Midfielders: Bizimana Djihad, Mugisha Bonheur, Ngwabije Bryan Clovis, Kayibanda Claude Smith, Muhire Kevin, Mukudju Christian
Forwards: Mugisha Gilbert, Hamon Aly-Enzo, Kwizera Joeja, Nshuti Innocent, Ishimwe Anicet, Biramahire Abeddy, Gitego Arthur, Ishimwe Djabilu, Niyo David
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
