World Cup

The FIFA Men’s World Ranking is a ranking system for men’s national teams in association football, first introduced in December 1992. The men’s teams of the member nations of FIFA, football’s world governing body, are ranked based on their game results, with the most successful teams being ranked the highest. As of September 2025, the rankings were led by Spain and followed by others which Brazil has spent the longest time ranked first.below are the list from first to fifty’s.

1 Spain
2 France
3 Argentina
4 England
5 Portugal
6 Brazil
7 Netherlands
8 Belgium
9 Croatia
10 Italy
11 Morocco
12 Germany
13 Colombia
14 Mexico
15 Uruguay
16 USA
17 Switzerland
18 Senegal
19 Japan
20 Denmark
21 Iran
22 Austria
23 South Korea
24 Ecuador
25 Australia
26 Canada
27 Türkiye
28 Ukraine
29 Panama
30 Wales
31 Norway
32 Sweden
33 Russia
34 Serbia
35 Egypt
36 Poland
37 Paraguay
38 Algeria
39 Czechia
40 Greece
41 Hungary
42 Slovakia
43 Scotland
44 Côte d’Ivoire
45. Nigeria
46. Tunisia
47 Costa Rica
48 Peru
49 Venezuela
50 Slovenia

Apart from Mexico 🇲🇽 Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States, who have qualified as hosts, they are the countries who qualified.

Cristiano going to the 2026 World Cup with Portugal 🇵🇹 will be the sixth FIFA World Cup.

Uruguay 🇺🇾 qualify for the 5th consecutive FIFA World Cup.

Colombia 🇨🇴 has qualified for the 7th World Cup

Morocco 🇲🇦 is the first African Nation to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the sixth time.

Tunisia 🇹🇳 joined Morocco to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the sixth time.

Six other countries from Asia have even qualified, which are

Japan 🇯🇵 qualified on March 20
Iran 🇮🇷 qualified on March 25
Jordan 🇯🇴 qualified on June 5.
South Korea 🇰🇷 qualified on June 5.
Uzbekistan 🇺🇿 who qualified on June 5
Australia 🇦🇺 qualified on June 10
🌍 #WorldCupQualifiers – CAF
Group A
🇧🇫 Burkina Faso 0-0 Egypt 🇪🇬

Group B
🇨🇩 DR Congo 2-3 Senegal 🇸🇳
🇹🇬 Togo 2-0 Sudan 🇸🇩

Group C
🇿🇦 South Africa 1-1 Nigeria 🇳🇬

Group D
🇨🇻 Cape Verde 0-0 Cameroon 🇨🇲

🌍 #WorldCupQualifiers – UEFA

Group D
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan 1-1 Ukraine 🇺🇦

Group F
🇦🇲 Armenia 2-1 Ireland 🇮🇪

Group D
🇫🇷 France 2-1 Iceland 🇮🇸

Group F
🇭🇺 Hungary 2-3 Portugal 🇵🇹

Group H
🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-2 Austria 🇦🇹
🇨🇾 Cyprus 2-2 Romania 🇷🇴

Group I
🇳🇴 Norway 11-1 Moldova 🇲🇩

Group K
🇦🇱 Albania 1-0 Latvia 🇱🇻
🇷🇸 Serbia 0-5 England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

The  special players in the qualifiers match toady is Erling Haaland

🇳🇴 Erling Haaland  scores 5 goals in match between Norway 🆚 Moldova:

⏱️ 89 minutes played
⚽️ 5 goals
🎯 2 assists
🥅 7 shots on target
🎯 70% shot accuracy
👟 38 touches
🧹 2 clearances
💪 5/7 duels won
⭐️ 10.0 match rating (MOTM)

Unstoppable. 🔥

Nigeria’s match today against South Africa shows how consistent the South Africa’s team is for FIFA WORLD CUP qualifiers and how Nigeria team is in preparation for the World Cup. Although the game went straight, as recorded Nigeria never lost to South Africa at home, but the draw wasn’t actually what Nigeria needed to qualify. The hope of qualifying for Nigeria now is on par mutations that if Lesotho can beat Benin today by 8pm Nigerian time, which I think is not sure, but if that happens, Nigeria will be in second on goal difference but otherwise go into third position. The consequence of this, Nigeria needs to their two remaining matches against Lesotho and Benin and also hope others in their group drop points.

How many World Cup spots are up for grabs for Africa?

The Africa World Cup qualifying is arranged into nine groups of six nations.

The nine Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) group winners secured direct entry to the World Cup while the four best runners-up will participate in an intercontinental playoff for the possibility of securing a 100th spot at the tournament.

Of the nine African groups, only Morocco and Tunisia have already qualified for the next year’s World Cup finals in North America.

How the game goes today

South Africa showed an outstanding performance with 56%to 44% on ball possession, with it clears they got their goal 25 minutes through an own goal from Nigeria’s Troost-Ekong and the Super Eagles bounced back shortly before half-time via a controversial header from Bassey.

Nigeria would have won the game with chances just look at biggest chances for Arokodare!! The ball went across face of goal!

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are very close to writing history in the FIFA World Cup qualifying game to become the man with most goals in FIFA World Cup qualifying games.

Although Carlos Ruiz is the man with the most goals in FIFA World Cup qualifying games with 39 goals and just 47 games, a wonderful performance. He was a member of the Guatemalan national team from 1998 to 2016. Guatemala 🇬🇹 This is a country in Central America

Cristiano Ronaldo is two goals away from becoming the man with the most goals in World Cup qualifying with 48 games and 38 goals.He is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward. Portugal 🇵🇹 is a country in Europe

Lionel Messi needed 4 extra goals to become the man with the most goals in World Cup qualifying with 72 games and 36 goals.He is an Argentine international player who plays as a forward. Argentina 🇦🇷 is a country in South America.

All Daei is in the 4th position on the list with 51 games and 35 goals.He is an Iranian former professional footballer who played as a striker. Iran 🇮🇷 is a country in Asia.

Gullit on Messi and Ronaldo performance: “Messi or Ronaldo?” Look, I believe Cristiano Ronaldo is a pure idol for every single kid because of how hard he works. Lionel Messi is just a freak of nature like Maradona. But Ronaldo really worked super hard.

Van Basten’s view on both : “Ronaldo worked hard, but do people forget that Messi is also still playing football? The man is 38. He lives for his sport just as much as Ronaldo and works just as hard. Because you can’t be as good as Messi at the age of 38 without working hard.

 

 

Nelson Alexander Deossa Suárez (born 6 February 2000) is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Liga MX club Monterrey.

🇨🇴 Nelson Deossa impressed in Monterrey’s midfield, making a case for a spot in Colombia’s potential World Cup squad.

🇨🇴Jhon Adolfo Arias Andrade (born 21 September 1997) is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a winger or attacking midfielder for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Fluminense and the Colombia national team.

🇨🇴 Jhon Arias has been named MOTM in three Fluminense matches and is in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Richard Ríos Montoya (born 2 June 2000) is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Palmeiras and the Colombia national team.

🇨🇴 Richard Ríos has been a main cog in Palmeiras’ midfield and provided the game-winning assist in the round of 16.

In 1994, Nigeria qualified with 7 points in Group D ahead of South Africa.
The team was dominated by players who are listed below

1994squad
Rufai, Peter PortugalSC Farense
Agbonavbare, Wilfred Spain Rayo
Agu, Alloy Turkey Kayserispor
Shorunmu, Ike Shooting Stars
Okechukwu, Uche TurkeyFener
Eguavoen, Augustine SpainCD
Iroha, Ben Vitesse Arnhem
Okafor, Uche IsraelMaccabi Ironi
Keshi, Stephen Belgiu RWD
Nwanu, Chidi RSC Anderlecht
Emenalo, Michael Notts County
Ugbade, Nduka Calaber R
Semitoje, Isaac Iwuanyanwu N
Agbontaen, MondayPetrolofisi
Akpele, Julius Stationery Stores
Babalade, Ajibade Sports Abidjan 1
West, Taribo France AJ Auxerre
Orji, Bethel Iwuanyanwu Nationale
Oliseh, Sunday ItalyACReggiana
George, Finidi Ajax Amsterdam
Augustine ‘Jay-Jay’Eintracht Frank
Oliha, Thompson IsraelMaccabi I
Adepoju, Mutiu Racing Santander
Ezeugo, Emeka Denmark Fremad
Daniel, Sunday
Fuludu, Edema TurkeyAltay İzmir
Monye, Precious Stationery St
Nwaigwe, Tony Iwuanyanwu N
Obanor, Peter Shooting Stars
Okenla, Foley
Ojigwe, Karibe Enyimba Aba
Okocha, Emma SV Wehen
Yekini, Rashidi Olympiakos
Amokachi, Daniel Everton FC
Amunike, Emmanuel Sporting CP
Siasia, Samson FC Nantes
Ikpeba, Victor France Monaco
Ekoku, Efan Wimbledon FC
Kanu, Nwankwo Ajax Amsterdam
Babangida, Tijani Netherlands
Bazuaye, Baldwin Concord
Odegbami, Wole Austria

Nigeria qualified for France’s 1998 World Cup with 13 points even after losing to Guinea 1–0 on 16 August 1997 at 16:30 with
F. Camara 50 minutes goal
It is my pleasure to list out the 1998 squad.
which are

1998 squad
Rufai, Peter Spain Deportivo
Okpara, Williams Orlando Pirates
Shorunmu, Ike Fc Zurich
Baruwa, Abiodun Sturm Graz
Okpara, Williams Orlando Pirates
Shorunmu, Ike FC Zürich
West, Taribo Inter Milano
Okechukwu, Uche Fenerbahçe
Babayaro, CelestineChelsea FC
Shakpoke, Jero AC Reggiana
Ajide, Ganiyu Julius Berger
Okafor, Uche Kansas City
Obiekwu, Kingsley Al-Ahli Dubai
Okpara, Godwin RC Strasbourg
Iroha, Ben Watford FC
Oparaku, Mobil Cappellen FC
Eguavoen, Augustine Russia T
Okunowo, Samuel FC Barcelona
Babalade, Ajibade Sturm Graz
Lawal, Garba Roda JC Kerkrade
Oliseh, Sunday Ajax Amsterdam
George, Finidi Real Betis
Adepoju, Mutiu Real Sociedad
Okocha, Augustine ‘Jay-Jay’psg
Oruma, Wilson Turkey Samsunspor
Garba, Ahmed ‘Yaro ‘Kano Pillars
Onwuzuruike, HenryHeerenveen
Ebiede, Emmanuel Netherlands
Ojigwe, Karibe FC Kaiserslautern
Udi, Duke Israel Hapoel
Adu, Sunday
Ilevbare, Sunday Shooting Stars
Ikpeba, Victor AS Monaco
Kanu, Nwankwo Arsenal FC
Yekini, Rashidi Saudi Arabia Al-Sh
Amokachi, Daniel Turkey Beşiktaş
Okolosi, Gabriel Espérance Tunis
Onya, Patrick Pascal Turkey Altay
Babangida, Tijani Ajax Amsterdam
Ottiji, Amaechi Germany SC
Ayorinde, Samuel Tunisia Stade
Siasia, Samson Tzafririm Holon
Akpoborie, Jonathan VfB Stuttgar
Obiorah, James Grasshopper Z
Akpoborie, JonathanVfB Stuttgar

Obiorah, James Grasshopper

The 2002 Korean/Japan Fifa World Nigeria qualified to participate with 16 points after the last match against Ghana on 29-07-2001 ended Nigeria 3–0 Ghana.
2002 squad
Shorunmu, Ike Samsunspor
Enyeama, Vincent Enyimba Abia
Ejide, Austin Tunisia Étoile du
Akanji, Murphy Malta Sliema
Rotimi, SundayEl-Kanemi Warriors
Yobo, Joseph Everton FC
Okoronkwo, Isaac Shakhtar D
Udeze, Ifeanyi West Bromwich
West, Taribo Partizan Beograd
Sodje, Efe Crewe Alexandra
Ejiofor, Eric Maccabi Haifa
Babayaro, CelestineChelsea FC
Idahor, Benedict Iwuanyanwu
Orjinta, Romanus Julius Berger
Moneke, Temple Iwuanyanwu
Ifejiagwa, Emeka Waldhof
Olajengbesi, Seyi Julius Berger
Ejedegba, Friday Enyimba Aba
Kanu, Christopher TOP Oss
Okechukwu, Uche İstanbulspor
Usim, Bob Sunshine Stars
Afolabi, Rabiu Belgium SLiege
Enakarhire, Joseph Standard Liège
Izuagha, Emmanuel Germany SV
Ovie, Patrick Russia Krylya
Abacha, Sari Sharks of port
Akabogu, Okey Enyimba Aba
Onyekwu, Friday Iwuanyanwu N
Shittu, Danny EnglandQPR
Augustine ‘Jay-Jay’BoltonWander
Oliseh, Sunday VfL Bochum
Christopher, Justice Levski Sofia
George, Finidi Ipswich Town
Lawal, Garba Levski Sofia
Ikedia, Pius FC Groningen
Oruma, Wilson FC Sochaux
Ojigwe, Karibe 04 Leverkusen
Shuaibu, Ishola Julius Berger
Garba, Ahmed ‘Yaro’Kano Pillars
Olofinjana, Seyi Kwara United
Elvis, Kingsley Iwuanyanwu N
Issah, Emmanuel Enyimba Aba
Ayeni, Bosun Frem København
Ekong, Ikpe PrinceAC Reggiana
Udi, Duke Russia Krylya
Abubakar, Musa Dolphins Ph
Igbinadolor, Bright Jokerit Helsink Kaku, Blessing Hapoel Be’er
Adepoju, Mutiu Turkey
Ogbuaja, Alex
Aghahowa, Julius Shakhtar Don
Kanu, Nwankwo Arsenal FC
Ogbeche, Bartholome Paris Saint
Aiyegbeni, YakubuPortsmouth F
Opabunmi, Femi Grasshopper
Akwuegbu, Benedict Grazer AK
Utaka, John RC Lens
Agali, Victor Schalke 04
Ileagu, Ogechukwu Rangers Int
Obiorah, James Lokomotiv M
Ikpeba, Victor Al-Ittihad Tripoli
Ugali, Emeka Jude AC Monza
Babangida, Tijani Al-Ittihad Jidda
Ezenwa, Ekene Enyimba Aba
Otegheri, Igho Wikki Tourists
Idahor, Lucky Dynamo Kyi
Iheanacho, KelechiWisła Kraków
Ijeh, Peter Malmö FF
Chukwunyere, NdubuisiHibernians
Doda, Haruna Desportivo Aves
Kumbur, Francis Haywards
Nworgu, Chukwudi Israel Beitar
Ogugua, Chike Gabros Int
Ezeji, Victor Sharks of Ph
Odemwingie, Peter RAA La
Agoye, Edith Shooting Stars
Anumunu, Ndidi Enyimba Aba
Baita, Rabiu RAEC Mons

Nigeria failed to win qualification for the World Cup in 2006 after losing to Angola 1-0 in the first leg and played a 1-1 draw at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, Nigeria.
On June 18, 2005, at 17 000 GMT
The goal was scored by Augustine Jay Okocha at 5mint of the game equalized Paul’s Figueiredo on 60 minutes.

.

Starting Line-Up match against Angola on 18-6-2005 for World Cup qualifier 2006.

Odemwingie, Peter

Aiyegbeni, Yakubu

Yobo, Joseph

Udeze, Ifeanyi

Enyeama, Vincent

Okocha, Augustine ‘Jay-Jay’

Olofinjana, Seyi

Lawal, Garba

Odiah, Chidi

Nwaneri, Obinna

Makinwa, Stephen Ayodele

2006 full squad with team

Enyeama, Vincent    Israel    Bne

Taiwo, Taye    Olympique M

Yobo, Joseph    Everton FC

Odiah, Chidi    Russia    CSKA

Enakarhire, Joseph France

Ayila, Yussuf    Dynamo Kyiv

Nwaneri, Obinna    FC Sion

Abbey, George Port Vale FC Epl

Obodo, Chris ItalyUdinese

Oruma, Wilson        Olympique

Obi, John Mikel Chelsea FC

Olofinjana, SeyiWolverhampton W

Lawal, Garba    Greece Irakli

Okocha, Augustine ‘Jay-Jay’Qatar

Kaita, Sani    Sparta Rotterdam

Okonkwo, Onyekachi    Orlando Pir

Martin Obafemi, Newcastle Un

Utaka, John    Stade Rennais

Obinna, Victor    Chievo Verona

Odemwingie, Peter Lille OSC

Aghahowa, Julius Wigan Athletic

Makinwa, Stephen Ayodele Lazio

Aiyegbeni, YakubuMiddlesbrough

Obasi, Chinedu, Norway

Kanu, NwankwoPortsmouth FC

Okoduwa, Emmanuel Metalurh D

In 2010, Nigeria was the first African to qualify for the World Cup after beating Ethiopia 2-0 at home. In the qualifying states, the Super Eagles conceded only four goals in their eight World Cup qualifiers to show how qualified the team are.

Squad 2010
Vincent Enyeama1 G-Austin Ejide16 G-Dele Aiyenugba-Danny Shittu D-Chibuzor Okonkwo D
-Joseph Yobo D-Taye Taiwo3 D
Elderson Echiéjilé D-Rabiu Afolabi D-Chidi Odiah D-Dele Adeleye D
John Obi Mike M-Ayila Yussuf m
Sani Kaita M-Lukman Haruna M
Dickson Etuhu M-Kalu Uche F
Kanu F-John Utaka F-Yakubu Ayegbeni f-Brown Ideye f-Obafemi Martins F-Joseph Akpala F-Peter Odemwingie f-Ikechukwu Uche F
Victor Obinna F-Chinedu Obasi F

In the world 2014 was able to to qualify for world with 12. Point on 16 November 2013.

Squad 2014
Agbim -Ejide -Enyeama Ambrose, E -Benjamin, F
-Egwuekwe-Elderson -Oboabona-Okwuosa -Omeruo-Gabriel-Mba-Mikel -Nosa -Oduamadi-Ogu-Onazi -Ameobi-Dike -Emenike – Ideye-Moses, V-Musa, A -Obinna

In 2018, Nigeria gained qualification after beating Zambia 1-0 to become the first African side to seal a place at the World Cup in Russia with 13 points,while the Zambians, who were second with 7 points before our last match against Algeria, lost 3-0 in June 2018.

Squad

Carl Ikeme,Daniel Akpeyi, Kenneth Omeruo, Elderson Echiejile, Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong – Ogenyi Onazi, Mikel Obi – Oghenekaro Etebo, Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi – Kelechi Iheanacho – Ahmed Musa please people shoul help me with others.

In 2022 qualification, Nigeria qualified in the normal group but failed to qualify for the home and away third round group against Ghana with away goal rule after playing a 0-0 draw in Ghana and a 1-1 draw in Nigeria. Makes Nigerians react badly at the venue of the match.

Ikechukwu EzenwaGoalkeeper
Francis UzohoGoalkeeper
Abdullahi Shehu Defender
Brian Idowu Defender
Chidozie Awaziem Defender
Elderson Echiejile Defender
Kenneth Omeruo Defender
Leon Balogun Defender
Tyronne Ebuehi Defender
Victor Moses Defender
William Troost-Ekong Defender
Ahmed Musa Forward
Alex Iwobi Forward
Kelechi Iheanacho Forward
Odion Ighalo Forward
Simy Forward
Joel Obi Midfielder
John Obi Mikel Midfielder
Johan Ogu Midfielder
Ogenyi Onazi Midfielder
Oghenekaro Etebo Midfielder
Wilfred Ndidi Midfielder

Here we are coming again struggling to qualify for the world. Maybe coaches should go back to how we started qualifying for the world in the 90s by giving home base players opportunities to play in teams,
mostly on defense and midfield  Remember on 9 January 2013, Kenneth Omeruo, at the age of 19, played for the senior team for the first time in a goalless draw against Cape Verde to stabilize the defensive line and  good play maker . although I am very optimistic about Nigeria qualifying for the world 2026.

2026Fifa World Cup squad
Stanley Nwabali-Amas Obasogie
Kayode Bankole-Calvin Bassey
Igoh Ogbu -William Troost-Ekong Bruno Onyemaechi-Ola Aina
Bright Osayi-Samuel-Raphael Onyedika -Wilfred Ndidi
Joe Aribo -Alhassan Yusuf
Papa Daniel-Nathan Tella -Alex Iwobi-Moses Simon-Samuel Chukwueze-Ademola Lookman
Victor Osimhen-Victor Boniface
Tolu Arokodare-Umar Sadiq

 

Qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup began on Oct. 12, 2023,where most confederations now have qualifying, such as Japan becoming the very first country to qualify on March 20, followed by New Zealand and Iran. Just five days later Argentina joined the race by beating Brazil 4-1.

But in Africa, the struggle still continues on country who will join 45 nations that will join hosts United States, Mexico and Canada in kicks off on June 11 and the final will take place on July 19. Remember in the African continent out of 54 FIFA-affiliated nations in the draw.

9 qualify automatically plus 1 enters playoff.

However, Eritrea subsequently withdrew their reason from the FIFA statement, and the Confederation of African Football (Caf) on Friday said that “all of Eritrea’s matches have been canceled”, a few days before they were due to travel to face Morocco in their first fixture, but provided no explanation.

But people generally thought Eritrea’s football federation withdrew its men’s team from 2026 World Cup qualifying owing to fears that players would attempt to seek political asylum during trips abroad, according to sources close to the squad. Congo, in the same group, were suspended by FIFA on Feb. 6 due to government interference, though they had lost all three group games at the time.

Below are resuit and table stands in Africa.

Aubameyang’s two goals delivered Gabon a 2-1 victory against Kenya on Sunday 23march 2025.

 

The match between Eswatini and Mauritius ended 3-3. It is just like war: no retrieving, no surrender for both teams.

Action continues for the African continent on Monday 24th when Equatorial Guinea hit a 1-1 draw at Namibia home. Guinea-Bissau received a home beating by losing 1-2 against Burkina Faso. Liberia showed a difference by beating São Tomé e Principe 2-1. Central African Republic secured a 0-0 home draw against Mali. Haller 15-minute goal gave Côte d’Ivoire victory against the Gambia.

Madagascar came out under football pressure from Ghana by losing 0-3. Tunisia showed a classic by beating Malawi 2-0 at home.

Ethiopia beat Djibouti like kid 6-1 at home when Desta and Nasir scored hat-tricks.

Coming into Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier, African continent South Africa kept showing a quality game by beating Benin Republic at home 2-0, while hopes for Nigeria are shaking with a 1-1 home draw. Below are other results.

Tuesday 25 March

Angola 1-2 Cabo Verde (Group D)

Scorers: Mabululu 50’ / D. Rocha Livramento 45+2’, 63’

Uganda 1-0 Guinea (Group G)

Scorers: A. Okello 36’

Rwanda 1-1 Lesotho (Group C)

Scorers: J. Kwizera 58’ / L. Fothoane 82’

Botswana 2-0 Somalia (Group G)

Scorers: G. Mohutsiwa 73′, M. Johnson 82′

Egypt 1-0 Sierra Leone (Group A)

Scorer: Ahmed Sayed Zizo 45+3′

Sudan 1-1 South Sudan (Group B)

Scorer: M. Eisa 77′ / D. O. Sebit 90+8′

Cameroon 3-0 Libya (Group D)

Scorers: V. Aboubakar 26′ (pen), 61′, B. Mbeumo 53′ / E. E. Maremi 90+1′

Burundi 5-0 Seychelles (Group F)

Scorers: C. Nduwarugira 23′, B. Bimenyimana 25′, 31′, B. Kanakimana 50′, J. Girumugisha 56′

Mauritania 0-2 Congo DR (Group B)

Scorers: C. Pickel 4′, F. Mayele 83′

Senegal 2-0 Togo (Group B)

Scorers: P. Sarr 35′, K. Boma 67′(og)

Algeria 5-1 Mozambique (Group G)

Scorers: M. Amoura 8′, 31′, 80′, A. Mandi 24′, J. Hadjam 65′ / G. Catamo 40′

Comoros 1-0 Chad (Group I)

Scorer: R. Said 24′

Morocco 2-0 Tanzania (Group E)

Scorers: N. Aguerd 51′, B. Diaz 58′(pen)

Below are Tables standing

Standings:

1)Egypt – 16pts
2)Burkina Faso – 11 pts
3)Sierra Leone – 8 pts
4). Ethiopia – 6 pts
5)Guinea-Bissau – 6 pts
6)Djibouti – 1 pt

Standings:

1).DR Congo – 13pt
2))Senegal – 12pts
3) Sudan – 12pts
4)Togo – 4 pts
5) South Sudan – 3pts
6)Mauritania – 2 pts

Standings: c

1)South Africa – 13pts
2)Rwanda – 8pts
3)Benin – 8 pts
4)Nigeria – 7 pts
5)Lesotho – 6pts
6)Zimbabwe – 4pts

Standings D
1) Cape Verde 13pts
2) Cameroon 12pts
3)Libya. 8pts
4)Angola. 7pts
5) Mauritius. 5pts
6) Eswatini. 2pts

Standings E
1) Morocco. 15pts
2) Niger 6pts
3) Tanzania. 6pts
4) Zambia. 3pts
5) Congo. 0
6) Eritrea. 0

Standings F
1) Ivory’s Coast 16pts
2) Gabon 15pts
3) Burundi. 10pts
4)Kenya 6pts
5)Gambia. 4 pts
6) Seychelles. 0
Standings G
1)Algeria. 15pts
2)Mozambique. 12pts
3)Botswana. 9pts
4) Botswana 9pts
5)Guinea 7 pts
6)Somalia 1 pt

Standings H
1) Tunisia. 16pts
2) Namibia. 12pts
3) Liberia 10pts
4) Equatorial.G. 7pts
5) Malawi. 6pts
6) Sao Teme 0
Standings I
1) Ghana. 15pts
2)Comoros. 12pts
3) Madagascar. 10pts
4) Mali 9pts
5)Central African. 5pts
6) Chad. 0

Standings for play off teams ‘j’
1) Gabon. 15pts
2) Cameroon. 12pts
3)Senegal. 12pts
4)Namibia. 12pts
5)Comoros. 12pts
6) Mozambique. 12pts
7)Burkinafaso. 11pts
8) Rwanda 8pts
9) Niger. 6pts

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nigeria super Eagle are unbeaten to Zimbabwe in their past 6 meetings with four win and two draws, but it only one time Nigeria win over Zimbabwe at home was on 19-11-2025 with 5-1 victories while three other time were draws.

The truth is Nigeria never won World Cup qualification at
Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

Zimbabwe may shown resilience to Nigeria because of the 1-1 draw in their last previous meeting and for them to secured first win in World Cup qualifier.

With Nigeria experience and new technical crews with strengthening their bid for the World Cup participation ,Super Eagles may change the whole history on 25 -03- 2025 17:00gmt at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
Nigeria Predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Chelle deployed his favored 4-3-1-2 formation against Rwanda with Osimhen and Moses Simon as the front , while Ademola Lookman played at back of two strikes in central area of the field.as it is in football no coach may like to change win it might go like this

Nwabali (GK); Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Chukwueze, Iwobi, Lookman; Osimhen, Simon

Zimbabwe Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Arubi (GK); Jalai, Garan’anga, Takwara, Lunga; Rinomhota, Munetsi; Zemura, Billiat, Musona; Chirewa

It was full of joy for Nigerians, the coaching crew, NFF and players for winning over Rwanda in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Rwanda, played 21 -3- 2025. Back to history, Nigeria has visited Rwanda three times. All three times Nigeria came back home with draws, and the only goal scored on Rwandan soil came from Obafemi Martins in a 2005 World Cup qualifier.
As Nigeria secured a win in Rwanda victory Osimhen and Super Eagle set records.
Firstly, the Super Eagles have secured their first win in Rwanda.

Two goals scored by victory Osimhen broke the record for Obafemi. Martin is the only player to score in Rwanda and lifted Osimhen to second in the Super Eagle’s top five all-time scorers. The overall results of the Super Eagle match raise the hope of Nigeria qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

The Super Eagle coach and Technical crew did very well but needed to work on these two things.

Nigeria’s wide players, struggling to stretch Rwanda’s defensive shape, showed that the Super Eagle technical department needed to work on penetration from the flanks and ball crossing for them to create more chances of scoring goals.

The technical department should please work on how super Eagle can penetrate to attack through
Penetrating pass because the combination of long ball and wing play failed to break down the Rwanda defensive structure.

Results from other groups

Wednesday, 19 March 2025
Group D

16:00: Eswatini 0-0 Cameroon
Group H

16:00: Liberia 0-1 Tunisia
Group I

16:00: Central African Republic 1-4 Madagascar
Thursday, 20 March 2025
Group G

13:00: Mozambique 3-1 Uganda
Group B

16:00: Zimbabwe 2-2 Benin
Group A

16:00: Sierra Leone 3-1 Guinea-Bissau
Group F

16:00: Cape Verde 1-0 Mauritius
Group C

16:00: Malawi 0-1 Namibia
Group F

16:00: Gambia 3-3 Kenya
Group B

19:00: Libya 1-1 Angola
Group F

19:00: Gabon 3-0 Seychelles
Group I

21:00: Comoros 0-3 Mali
Friday, 21 March 2025
Group G

13:00: Botswana 1–3 Algeria
Group H

13:00: Equatorial Guinea 2–0 São Tomé and Príncipe
Group A

16:00: Burkina Faso 4–1 Djibouti
Group B

16:00: DR Congo 1–0 South Sudan
Group C

16:00: Rwanda 0–2 Nigeria
Group C

16:00: South Africa 2–0. Lesotho

Group G

19:00: Burundi 0 vs. 1 Côte d’Ivoire
Group G

19:00: Ghana 5 vs. 0 Chad
Group A

21:00: Ethiopia 0 vs. 2Egypt
Group G

21:00: Guinea 0vs.0 Somalia
Group E

21:30: Niger 1 vs. 2 Morocco
Saturday, 22 March 2025
Group B

16:00: Togo vs. Mauritania
Group B

19:00: Sudan vs. Senegal

Tables stand

Two home-based players from the NPFL are found on Nigeria’s 23-man list by Coach Eric Chelle, but the question is, is this for integrating or development of talent from the Nigeria Professional league into the national team setup or to win and qualify for the World Cup.
The two are Kayode Bankole Remo Stars goalkeeper and Papa Daniel Mustapha, Niger Tornadoes midfielder.
Compared to his colleagues, Coach Adel Amrouche from Rwanda, who invited 13 local players and 15 others from the foreign leagues for the team, and coach Michael Nees of Zimbabwe, who only has fewer than 10 players as foreign base players.
Although his final squad composition was picked according to the formation he intended to use. I think it is 4-4-2. It comprises three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and eight attackers for the two crucial matches.
But my fear is that here is African football, where our game is physical and powerful and the majority of our players are foreign-based players that don’t want to lose their job because of injuries.
Our last encounter with the team at home, losing 1-2 to Rwanda, was basically about how our lovely players try to be very careful in contact with the ball and opponents so that they won’t have injuries.

Nigeria and Rwanda have met in seven previous encounters, which Nigeria has won twice, drawn four times, and lost once. Interestingly, part of this is that Nigeria has visited Rwanda three times. All three times Nigeria came home playing draws, but the only goal scored on Rwandan soil came from Obafemi Martins in a 2005 World Cup qualifier.

LIST OF 23 SUPER EAGLES FOR RWANDA, ZIMBABWE GAMES
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)

List of four new players in the squad

Tolu Arokodare (Genk), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes), and goalkeeper Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars).

Rwanda vs Nigeria: Match details
Competition: FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers – Africa
Fixture: Rwanda vs Nigeria
Venue: Amahoro Stadium, Kigali
Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
Kick-off: 5 pm (Nigerian time)