The CAF Africa qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup resume this week, with Nigeria facing a crucial clash against Rwanda.

Nigeria Super Eagles still searching for their first win in the qualifiers, will be desperate to turn their fortunes around, while the Amavubi are aiming to edge closer to a historic first-ever World Cup appearance.

A win for Rwanda  at the Amahoro Stadium would strengthen their position at the top of Group C, while Nigeria, ranked 44th in the world, are under pressure to improve after a poor start to the campaign.

Preview: Rwanda’s strong start

Rwanda have impressed in the qualifiers, collecting seven points from their opening four games.

They kicked off with a goalless draw against Zimbabwe  before shocking the continent with a 2-0 victory over South Africa . Gilbert Mugisha and Innocent Nshuti were the scorers in that historic win.

A narrow 1-0 defeat to Benin Republic followed, but Rwanda bounced back with a hard-fought win over Lesotho in June. With a superior goal difference, they lead the group ahead of South Africa and Benin, who are also on seven points.

However, Rwanda’s qualification campaign has seen a coaching change. German tactician Torsten Spittler, who oversaw their strong start, departed after his contract was not renewed.

In his place, the Rwandan FA appointed Algerian-Belgian coach Adel Amrouche in March. The 56-year-old, who has managed Burundi, Botswana, Libya, and Kenya, will be eager to make a statement with a win over Nigeria in his debut game.

Nigeria, the highest-ranked team in Group C, sit in a disappointing fifth place after drawing three and losing one of their four games.

Having missed the 2022 World Cup, the Super Eagles are in danger of missing back-to-back tournaments for the first time since makig their debut appearance at USA ’94.

Their campaign began with a frustrating 1-1 draw at home to Lesotho, where Semi Ajayi  salvaged a point after the visitors took a shock second-half lead. Another 1-1 draw followed away to Zimbabwe, with Kelechi Iheanacho  coming to Nigeria’s rescue.

Back in Uyo, Nigeria again had to come from behind to draw 1-1 with South Africa, thanks to Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s first goal for the Super Eagles. However, their worst result came in June when they surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 to Benin – the Cheetahs’ first-ever victory over Nigeria.

Constant managerial changes have not helped Nigeria’s cause.

José Peseiro led the team in the first two qualifiers before leaving after the AFCON final. His successor, Finidi George, lasted only two games, and Augustine Eguavoen held the reins temporarily.