Former Nigerian international, Ifeanyi Udeze, has admitted that the Super Eagles have historically struggled to secure victories when playing away against Rwanda.
Udeze shared his thoughts as Nigeria prepares to face Rwanda in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier scheduled for March 17, 2025, in Kigali.
The Amavubi currently top Group C with seven points, while the Super Eagles sit in fifth place, trailing by four points.
With new head coach, Eric Chelle, at the helm, Nigeria must win all six of their remaining fixtures to keep their World Cup hopes alive, one of which is the challenging away tie against Rwanda, where they have never recorded a victory.
In three previous visits to Rwanda, the Super Eagles have only managed draws, scoring just one goal across those encounters.
Udeze, who featured in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Rwanda in Kigali during the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, expressed hope for a different outcome this time around.
“We always find it difficult to beat Rwanda away,” the former Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup defender said during Monday’s edition of Sports Machine on Brila FM.
“I remember during my time in the Super Eagles we drew away to them but I hope things will be different this time around because if we want to be at next year’s World Cup we need to win the rest of our games and one of the must-win games is away to Rwanda.”
In a related development, the Rwanda Football Association has appointed Algerian coach Adel Amrouche as the new head coach of the Amavubi, replacing German tactician Torsten Spittler.
The announcement was made on Sunday as Rwanda looks to strengthen their campaign in the qualifiers.
