Rwanda Calls Up Three USA-Based Stars for Crucial AFCON Qualifiers Against Nigeria and Libya
The Rwanda Football Federation has announced a 30-man Amavubi squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Nigeria and Libya, aiming to secure a place in Morocco. With only the top two teams advancing, third-placed Rwanda faces a tough challenge to surpass Nigeria or Benin in the group standings.
Head coach Frank Spittler’s selection includes a strong contingent from domestic leagues, with 17 home-based players and nine from overseas. Among the foreign-based players are three USA-based stars: Jojea Kwizera (Rhode Island FC), Innocent Nshuti (One Knoxville SC), and Kavita Mabaya (Birmingham Legion FC).
The Amavubi will meet Libya first, before traveling to Uyo, Nigeria, for their final match. To keep their AFCON hopes alive, they will need strong performances in both games. Rwanda last appeared in the AFCON finals in 2004, exiting in the group stage after a promising performance.
Meanwhile, Nigeria, led by caretaker coach Austin Eguavoen, needs just a draw against Benin on November 14 to secure their spot in Morocco 2025.