Rwanda Coach Reflects on Defeat to Super Eagles

The clash between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Rwanda’s national team in Uyo for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers ended with mixed emotions. Nigeria secured a narrow 1-0 victory, a result that lifted their qualification hopes but left Rwanda’s coach, Adel Amrouche, visibly disappointed.

The game, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, was an intense encounter that drew fans from across Nigeria who were eager to see their beloved Super Eagles continue their journey to the global stage. The win pushed Nigeria to 10 points in their group standings, placing them third behind leaders South Africa, who sit on 16 points. With a crucial away fixture against South Africa up next, the stakes are higher than ever for the Super Eagles.

For Rwanda, however, the night was a sobering reminder of how difficult the path to the World Cup can be. Coach Amrouche admitted during the post-match conference that the defeat was painful. He explained that his team came prepared with a plan to upset Nigeria but fell short despite their determination. “When we lose, we are not happy. I am not happy because the Super Eagles defeated my team,” he said. His words reflected not only the disappointment of a coach but also the frustration of a squad that had hoped to shock their opponents on home soil.

Still, the coach did not leave the pitch without highlighting the bright spots in his team’s performance. He praised his goalkeeper, Ntwari Fiacre, whose resilience between the posts prevented the scoreline from being more humiliating. Fiacre pulled off several vital saves that kept Rwanda in the game and earned admiration from both sets of fans. “Our goalkeeper saved many shots, and I must commend him,” Amrouche noted, underlining the importance of individual brilliance even in defeat.

Rwanda’s strategy for the game was clear: frustrate Nigeria, keep the defense tight, and hope to capitalize on mistakes. For much of the game, this approach worked. The Rwandan defense stood firm against wave after wave of Super Eagles attacks. But as is often the case in football, one lapse was enough. Nigeria converted their chance, and Rwanda’s dream of walking away with at least a point vanished.

Amrouche acknowledged that his team had the right approach but lacked the finishing touch that could have made the difference. “Yes, we came with a plan to defeat Nigeria. We held our opponent, and we have statistics for each player during the game. Sometimes you don’t force in goals but you can score with mistakes. We have learnt from this game, and that will make my team more focused next time,” he explained.

Despite the loss, Amrouche was gracious in his remarks about Nigeria’s coach and team. He described the Super Eagles’ coach as competent and expressed respect for the squad. At the same time, he suggested that luck played a role in the outcome, a polite way of saying that Rwanda believed they had matched Nigeria in many areas of the game. “Their coach is a good coach. His team is good, but I think they were lucky tonight,” he added.

Rwanda’s ambition heading into the match had been to shock the Super Eagles in front of their passionate fans. That ambition was fueled by a spirited performance in previous qualifiers and the belief that no team is invincible on its own turf. However, the harsh reality of football was on display in Uyo. Dominating possession or executing a strategy is not always enough—scoring goals is what truly counts.

For Nigeria, the win was a relief but also a warning. While three points are crucial, the performance exposed weaknesses that South Africa, the current table leaders, will be eager to exploit. The Super Eagles created numerous chances but were guilty of wastefulness in front of goal, a problem that could prove costly against tougher opponents.

Fans in the stadium were jubilant at the final whistle, chanting songs of praise for their team and celebrating the slim victory. Yet, some admitted they expected more goals from a squad packed with talent. For them, the game underscored the unpredictable nature of World Cup qualifiers, where every team, regardless of ranking, has something to fight for.

Meanwhile, Rwandan fans who had traveled to Nigeria or watched from afar could take pride in their team’s fighting spirit. While defeat is always hard to swallow, Fiacre’s saves and the team’s disciplined approach showed that Rwanda is no pushover. With more focus and finishing power, they could yet become spoilers in the group.

Looking ahead, Amrouche’s words about learning from the experience highlight Rwanda’s determination to improve. Qualifying for the World Cup may be a daunting task, but every game offers lessons, and the coach is confident his side will grow stronger. “We have learnt from this game, and that would put my team to be more focused for the next time,” he said, sounding more determined than defeated.

The spotlight now shifts to Nigeria’s upcoming fixture against South Africa, which could prove decisive in the group standings. With the Bafana Bafana already in control, the Super Eagles will need to bring their very best to stand a chance of snatching all three points away from home.

As for Rwanda, they leave Uyo with heads held high despite the loss. Their goalkeeper Fiacre has emerged as a standout name, and their coach’s words suggest they are not giving up. In football, the line between heartbreak and triumph is thin, and Rwanda’s story is far from over.