Rwanda Captain Bizimana Downplays Impact of AFCON Qualifier on Upcoming World Cup Clash with Nigeria
Rwanda captain Djihad Bizimana has minimized the significance of today’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Nigeria, insisting the result will not necessarily influence the outcome when both teams face off in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next year.
The Wasps face an uphill battle in their quest to secure a spot at AFCON 2025, with only a win against Nigeria—and a favorable result in the Benin-Libya clash—guaranteeing their qualification. Rwanda, currently third in Group D with five points, trail Benin by two points, while Nigeria has already sealed the top spot.
Rwanda last featured at AFCON in 2004, their sole appearance in the competition to date. However, the East African nation is in a strong position in the ongoing World Cup qualifiers, tied at the top of Group C with seven points, four ahead of Nigeria.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Sunday, Bizimana dismissed the notion that today’s result could have implications for their World Cup qualifier against Nigeria in the coming months, citing the evolving nature of national team selections.
“I don’t know because now we are focused on the AFCON, and when it is a national team, there are always some changes,” Bizimana said. “You don’t know if the same players who are playing tomorrow will play in the next four or five months.
“So for me, the most important thing now is to focus on the game tomorrow, and the rest we will see.”
With Nigeria’s qualification already secured, Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen may rotate his squad for the match, further supporting Bizimana’s assertion about the limited impact of today’s outcome on future encounters.
The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, will be aiming to maintain their dominance in Group D, while Rwanda hopes to capitalize on any opportunities to keep their slim qualification hopes alive.
For Rwanda, the stakes are high. A win against Nigeria at home, combined with Libya defeating Benin, would see them clinch a spot in AFCON 2025—a significant achievement for a team with a single previous appearance.
The Wasps’ upcoming World Cup qualifying clash with Nigeria at the Amahoro Stadium will undoubtedly carry its own weight, but for now, Bizimana and his teammates remain fully focused on navigating tonight’s crucial encounter. Kickoff for the match at the Kigali Stadium is set for 6:00 p.m. local time.
