by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 19, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
As the Super Eagles gear up for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, Nigerian music superstar Wizkid has thrown his support behind the team.
The Afrobeats icon took to social media on Wednesday, expressing his excitement over the energy within the squad under new head coach Eric Chelle.
“New Super Eagles team! Love the energy,” Wizkid tweeted, signaling his confidence in the players ahead of the crucial encounter.
Chelle, who recently took charge of the team, led his first training session on Tuesday afternoon, setting the stage for Friday’s showdown at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
With Nigeria set to host Zimbabwe in Uyo on Tuesday after the Rwanda game, the Super Eagles must secure maximum points to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 19, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Kigali, Rwanda – As the Super Eagles of Nigeria prepare to battle Rwanda’s Wasps in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday, memories of their last encounter still linger.
Last November, Nigeria took the lead in Uyo through Samuel Chukwueze, only to be stunned by a swift Rwandan comeback, with Ange Mutsinzi and Nshuti Innocent securing a 2-1 victory for the visitors. Now, as the Super Eagles travel to Kigali, they must be wary of Rwanda’s key players who could once again tip the scales.
Here are five Rwandan stars to watch out for:
1. Fiacre Ntwari (Goalkeeper, Kaizer Chiefs)
Despite being a backup at Kaizer Chiefs, the 25-year-old shot-stopper was outstanding in Uyo, making four crucial saves. If Nigeria’s attack is to succeed, they must find a way past Ntwari’s safe hands.
2. Djihad Bizimana (Midfielder, FC Kryvbas)
The Amavubi captain is a midfield enforcer whose physicality disrupted Nigeria’s rhythm in their last meeting. The Super Eagles’ midfield will have to neutralize him to dictate the game’s tempo.
3. Emmanuel Imanishimwe (Defender, AEL Limassol)
A defensive rock on Rwanda’s left flank, Imanishimwe frustrated Nigeria’s wingers in Uyo. With solid form in Cyprus, he remains a tough challenge for the Super Eagles’ attack.
4. Jojea Kwizera (Wing-back, Rhode Island FC)
Kwizera turned the game around in Uyo with a superb assist off the bench. His creativity could once again be Rwanda’s secret weapon.
5. Nshuti Innocent (Forward, APR FC)
The match-winner in Uyo, Nshuti’s ability to find the net makes him a key player for Rwanda. Nigeria’s defense must keep him in check to avoid another upset.
With stakes high and a ticket to the World Cup on the line, the Super Eagles must bring their best game to silence the Wasps in Kigali.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 18, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
As the Super Eagles prepare for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, former West Brom and Nigeria defender Ifeanyi Udeze has sounded the alarm. His concerns stem not from baseless fear but from personal experience—he’s been in the trenches before.
“I remember playing in Kigali; it was never easy,” Udeze recounted. “We struggled, and I think we managed a 1-1 draw. I even set up a goal for Yakubu Aiyegbeni (or was it Obafemi Martins?). That tells you how tough it can be.”
The Super Eagles have historically found Rwanda to be a stubborn opponent. In their last two meetings during the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, Nigeria only managed a 1-1 draw in Kigali and a narrow 2-1 victory in Uyo. With the stakes now higher, failure to secure maximum points could derail their World Cup qualification hopes.
Despite the looming challenge, Udeze remains hopeful. “Nigeria has the quality to win, but we need more than talent. Our players give their all for their clubs—if they can bring that same intensity and give more than 100 percent, we have a strong chance.”
Currently sitting fifth in Group C, the Super Eagles are in desperate need of a win to revive their campaign. Head coach Eric Chelle knows that anything less than victory could spell disaster. As the team prepares to face Rwanda in Kigali, they must summon all their strength, experience, and determination—because history has proven that this battle will not be an easy one.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 18, 2025 | Africa, Soccer
In a moment of joy off the pitch, Senegalese football star Sadio Mane has embraced fatherhood, welcoming his first child with his wife, Aisha Tamba. The Al Nassr forward, 32, and his 19-year-old wife have stepped into a new phase of their lives, celebrating the arrival of their baby just over a year after their intimate wedding.
Mane and Tamba tied the knot in a private ceremony in Keur Massar, Senegal, just days before the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. Their love story, which began while Tamba was still a student, blossomed into marriage, with Mane reportedly making a promise early on to build a future with her.
Now, 14 months later, that future includes their first child, a moment confirmed by Mane’s club, Al Nassr, following their 3-1 victory over Al-Kholood. As Mane continues to shine on the field, he now carries a new role beyond football—fatherhood.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 18, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
In the heart of Accra, a renewed sense of determination fills the air as the Black Stars set their sights on the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Assistant coach John Paintsil passionately appeals to every Ghanaian to rally behind the team. With the spotlight on the upcoming clash against Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on March 21, 2025, the message is clear: the team’s journey to glory depends on the unwavering support of the nation.
The road to the World Cup has seen its share of triumphs and setbacks. After a promising start with a win over Madagascar, the Black Stars experienced a challenging defeat against Comoros before bouncing back with commanding victories over Mali and the Central African Republic. Currently, they share the top spot in Group I with Comoros, each boasting nine points from four hard-fought matches.
Paintsil’s heartfelt call echoes throughout the stadium: “Where we have reached, we need the support of Ghanaians now more than ever.” His words underscore the crucial role that home support plays in transforming a good performance into a memorable win, especially as the team faces Chad—a side languishing at the bottom of the group with just one point.
The journey continues beyond Accra. On March 24, the Black Stars will travel to Morocco to take on Madagascar. The match, relocated to Al Hoceima due to the unapproved status of Madagascar’s home stadium, is another vital step towards securing all six points needed to boost their World Cup qualification hopes.
The call to arms is more than a tactical request; it is a heartfelt invitation for every Ghanaian to unite in support of their national heroes on this critical campaign.
