Amrouche Reflects on Defensive Lapses as Super Eagles Reignite Qualifying Campaign
KIGALI – Rwanda’s head coach, Adel Amrouche, expressed disappointment following his team’s 2-0 defeat to Nigeria in a tightly contested 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday evening. Despite a spirited start, the Amavubi were unable to contain the Super Eagles, who capitalized on defensive errors to secure a vital win.
The loss marked a significant setback for Rwanda, who had previously impressed in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers with a draw and a victory against Nigeria. However, Friday’s result saw them surrender their top spot in the group to South Africa, narrowing the gap between the two teams to just one point.
Amrouche, the Algerian tactician, revealed that his team had a clear plan to withstand Nigeria’s early pressure. “We started with a plan. I knew Nigeria would come quick with that pressure to score because they have the urgency,” he explained. “We tried something in the beginning, and maybe you saw some positioning for the players. It was working for a while, but when we conceded the goal, we had to change the plan.”
Nigeria struck early, with Victor Osimhen opening the scoring in the 11th minute after connecting with Ademola Lookman’s cross. The Napoli striker then doubled the lead before halftime with a clinical lob, leaving Rwanda with a mountain to climb in the second half.
Amrouche lamented the nature of the goals conceded, attributing them to defensive lapses rather than tactical shortcomings. “Sometimes you plan, but football is unpredictable,” he said. “I don’t want to blame my players, but when you concede goals from a free kick and a simple pass, it’s not about tactics. It’s a shame.”
The victory breathed new life into Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign, moving them to six points in the group, four behind leaders South Africa. Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle now turns his attention to a crucial clash against Zimbabwe in Uyo, where a win could further bolster Nigeria’s chances of securing a spot in the 2026 tournament, set to be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
For Rwanda, the defeat serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead in their quest for World Cup qualification. As the Amavubi regroup, Amrouche and his squad will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities to keep their dreams alive in a fiercely competitive group.
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