The Rwanda national football team, Amavubi, has departed for Nigeria to continue their campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, leaving behind three players who had initially been called up.
The team left Kigali International Airport on Tuesday morning with a delegation of 44 people, led by the newly elected president of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), Shema Fabrice.
Twenty players were on the flight from Kigali, while four others—Kavita Phanuel, Mugisha Bonheur “Casemo,” Kwizera Jojea, and Buhake Twizere Clement—will join the squad in Lagos, Nigeria, before proceeding together to the city of Uyo.
Those who were called up but did not make the trip include Claude Kayibanda of Bedford FC, Niyo David of Kiyovu Sports, and Ishimwe Djabilu of Etincelles FC.
The team is expected to land in Lagos at 2:15 p.m., depart for Uyo at 5:00 p.m., and check into IBOM Hotel in Uyo later in the evening.
Rwanda will face Nigeria on September 6, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers. Three days later, on September 9, Amavubi will take on Zimbabwe in South Africa.
Currently, Rwanda sits second in Group C with 8 points, tied with Benin, who are in third place.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
