November 18, 2024 at 16:00 GMT+0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria will be the much awaited game between Nigeria and Rwanda. The final points in Group D of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifications will be decided by this game. While Rwanda must guarantee a victory and depends on other results to progress, Nigeria, who already guarantees their place in the main event, will be trying to keep their perfect run. A referee from the Spanish football association will officiate the game, which is vital for Rwanda’s hopes of qualifying.
With Nigeria having home advantage at a stadium with 30,000 capacity, this football battle is set in an exciting environment. Rwanda deals with a must-win situation since the Super Eagles have already clinched their qualification for the 2024 AFCON event in Morocco. With rotation in Nigeria’s lineup, the game presents Rwanda with a chance to challenge the heavy favorite hosts. Nigeria’s great home record and outstanding performance thus far in the qualifications make them the favorites; nevertheless, Rwanda will not give up easy since they strive to keep their qualifying dreams alive.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
As we look ahead to the Nigeria vs Rwanda prediction today, we must take into account the contrasting circumstances of both teams. Nigeria has already qualified, hence they might choose squad rotation and hence their regular intensity may change. Knowing that only a victory will maintain Rwanda in the running for the second qualifying slot, they will present their best team. This could be a closely fought game since Rwanda needs a victory to advance and Nigeria is currently flawless in the qualifiers.
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Nigeria Results
Nigeria has been consistent throughout the AFCON qualifiers, combining draws and wins to guarantee they ranked highest in Group D. Having won their last two contests in the competition without giving up a goal, their home form has been especially outstanding. They will be seeking to end the group stage on a memorable note even if they have qualified.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 14.11.24 | ACN | Benin vs Nigeria | 1-1 | D |
| 15.10.24 | ACN | Libya vs Nigeria | 0-3 | W |
| 11.10.24 | ACN | Nigeria vs Libya | 1-0 | W |
| 10.09.24 | ACN | Rwanda vs Nigeria | 0-0 | D |
| 07.09.24 | ACN | Nigeria vs Benin | 3-0 | W |
Nigeria’s recent form shows a solid defense, with just one draw and no losses in the last five games. Their strong away performance is also notable, having secured three consecutive wins in the competition. Despite their qualification being already guaranteed, Nigeria will be motivated to maintain their unbeaten record.
Rwanda Results
Rwanda, on the other hand, finds themselves in a precarious situation, needing a win to have a chance of progressing to the next stage. With only one win in five matches, they will be eager to improve their form. They have struggled away from home, which puts them at a disadvantage in this fixture.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 14.11.24 | ACN | Rwanda vs Libya | 0-1 | L |
| 31.10.24 | ANC | Rwanda vs Djibouti | 3-0 | W |
| 27.10.24 | ANC | Djibouti vs Rwanda | 1-0 | L |
| 15.10.24 | ACN | Rwanda vs Benin | 2-1 | W |
| 11.10.24 | ACN | Benin vs Rwanda | 3-0 | L |
Rwanda’s form shows a mix of wins and losses, with their recent 0-1 loss to Libya severely damaging their qualification hopes. However, they will look to build on their strong home results and push for an upset in this crucial away match. If they can replicate their performances against weaker opponents, they might stand a chance in this tough matchup.
Nigeria vs Rwanda Head-to-Head
Nigeria and Rwanda have faced off multiple times in the past, with both teams having their fair share of draws and victories. The last meeting between these two teams ended in a 0-0 draw, showcasing their evenly matched competition.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 10.09.24 | ACN | Rwanda vs Nigeria | 0-0 |
| 15.01.18 | ANC | Nigeria vs Rwanda | 0-0 |
| 16.06.12 | ACN | Nigeria vs Rwanda | 2-0 |
| 29.02.12 | ACN | Rwanda vs Nigeria | 0-0 |
| 05.06.05 | WC | Rwanda vs Nigeria | 1-1 |
With only one victory for Nigeria in the past five confrontations, the head-to–head results clearly show that these two sides typically engage in close games. Two draws in Rwanda’s most recent two games suggest their capacity to hold their own against the Super Eagles.
Predicted Starting Lineups – Nigeria vs Rwanda
Forecasting the starting lineup for a football game helps us to clearly understand the tactical strategy any club could use. Particularly in terms of team organization, strategies, and crucial individual players, knowing which players are likely to start enables one to evaluate their strengths and shortcomings. The possible starting lines for Nigeria and Rwanda in this crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualification game are compiled here.
Nigeria Possible Starting Lineup: Okoye (GK), Osayi-Samuel (DF), Troost-Ekong (DF), Bassey (DF), Onyemaechi (DF), Onyedika (MF), Ndidi (MF), Simon (MF), Iwobi (MF), Lookman (MF), Osimhen (FW)
Rwanda Possible Starting Lineup: Ntwari (GK), Ombolenga (DF), Mutsinzi (DF), Manzi (DF), Imanishimwe (DF), Bizimana (MF), Mugisha (MF), Gueulette (MF), Kwizera (FW), Nshuti (FW), Mugisha (FW)
Injured and Unavailable Players
In every match, the availability of players can have a significant impact on a team’s performance. Injuries, suspensions, and personal circumstances may prevent key players from taking part in the game. Below is a table outlining the players who are unavailable for this match between Nigeria and Rwanda, along with the reasons for their absence.
| Team | Player | Reason for Absence |
| Nigeria | Ola Aina | Injury |
| Nigeria | Maduka Okoye | Personal tragedy (father’s death) |
| Rwanda | Niyigena Clement | Suspension |
These absences could influence the dynamics of the match, with Nigeria needing to adjust defensively without Aina and Okoye potentially adding stability at the back. Rwanda will miss Clement’s defensive contribution, which may make their task even harder against the formidable Nigerian attack.
Key Points to Watch
Before making your prediction for this match, it’s essential to keep in mind several factors that could impact the outcome:
- Given Nigeria’s already strong qualification, they might rotate their team;
- The aspirations of Rwanda for qualifying depend on their success and other favorable outcomes;
- While Rwanda has won just one of their last five, Nigeria is perfect in their five;
- With two wins and two clean sheets in the present qualifying round, Nigeria’s home form is good;
- Rwanda has struggled away, just scoring one of their nine road games;
- With only one goal let in across five games, Nigeria’s defense has been strong;
- The assault by Rwanda has been erratic; many games finish with less than 2.5 goals;
- Nigeria boasts a strong roster, and its top player Victor Osimhen has been in great form.
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Free Tips on Nigeria vs Rwanda
To make the most informed bet on the upcoming match between Nigeria and Rwanda, it’s crucial to consider various factors that can influence the outcome. Reviewing team statistics, recent form, and other key elements like injuries and team motivation can provide you with a more comprehensive view. Here are some essential tips to help you make smarter betting decisions for Nigeria vs Rwanda:
- Nigeria comes into this match on an unbeaten streak in the qualifiers, giving them the confidence boost of a team in good form. Meanwhile, Rwanda’s chances depend on this match being a must-win scenario, which could fuel their motivation to give their best performance despite their recent inconsistencies.
- Always check the availability of key players. Nigeria’s squad depth may allow them to rotate, but any injury to key players like Victor Osimhen could impact their attacking threat. Conversely, Rwanda has struggled with injuries in the past, and missing players can affect their chances.
- Nigeria’s home advantage at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is a significant factor. Historically, they perform much better on home soil, while Rwanda has struggled in away games. This disparity in performance can be a game-changer, particularly with Nigeria’s solid defense.
- Nigeria is likely to play a disciplined, possession-based game, while Rwanda may rely on a counter-attacking strategy. Understanding these styles can help predict how the game will unfold, especially if one team is able to disrupt the other’s usual game plan.
- The weather on match day can significantly influence play. If it rains heavily, it could slow down the game, potentially favoring a team that excels in a more physical, direct style of play. Keep an eye on weather reports leading up to the match to understand how conditions may alter team strategies.
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Match Prediction: Nigeria vs Rwanda 2024
This match presents a unique challenge for both teams. While Nigeria has already secured qualification, their strong defense and home form still make them the favorites in this matchup. Rwanda, with their backs against the wall, will need to put forth their best performance yet, but breaking down Nigeria’s defense at their home ground will be a difficult task. The odds favor Nigeria, but with rotation in their lineup, this could be closer than expected.
Given the importance of this match for Rwanda, they will push hard for a victory, but Nigeria’s defensive strength and home advantage give them the upper hand. The most likely outcome is a narrow victory for Nigeria or a low-scoring draw.
Our Prediction: Nigeria 2-0 Rwanda
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Full Time | Nigeria Win | 1.4 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 | 1.64 |
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