Rwanda announce squad dominated by 22-time PL champions ahead of WCQ against Nigeria

The Rwandese Federation of Association Football (FERWAFA) has announced a 28-man provisional squad ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Nigeria and Lesotho at Amahoro Stadium on March 21 and March 25.

An analysis of the roster revealed that four goalkeepers, eight defenders, nine midfielders and seven forwards have been summoned by Rwanda's new head coach Adel Amrouche.

The squad comprises fifteen foreign based players and thirteen footballers playing locally.

The squad is dominated by twenty-two Rwandan Premier League champions APR, who have contributed seven players, while Rwandan top-flight table toppers Rayon Sports have four representatives.

After being suspended by former coach Torsten Spittler for disciplinary reasons, midfielders Hakim Sahabo and Rafael York have been recalled to the squad by Adel Amrouche.

Djabel Imanishimwe, who plays for Naft Al Wassat in Iraq, has also returned to the squad, marking his first call-up since February 6, 2022 when he featured in an AFCON qualifier against Mozambique.

After four matches in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Rwanda are leading the group with seven points, four more than their next opponents, Nigeria. 

Rwanda's 28-man provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Ntwari Fiacre (Kaizer Chiefs), Buhake Clement Twizere (Ull/Kisa), Maxime Wenssens, Pierre Ishimwe (APR)

Defenders: Omborenga Fitina (Rayon Sports), Byiringiro Jean Gilbert (APR), Claude Niyomugabo (APR), Bugingo Hakim (Rayon Sports), Mutsinzi Ance (Zira), Thierry Manzi (Al Ahli Tripoli), Niyigena Clement (APR),Yunusu Nshimiyimana (APR)

Midfielders: Bizimana Djihad (Al Ahli Tripoli), Ruboneka Jean Bosco (APR), Bonheur Mugisha (Stade Tunisen), Steve Rubanguka (Al-Nojoom), Kwizera Jojea (Rhode Island), Mugisha Gilbert (APR), Iraguha Hadji (Rayon Sports), Kevin Muhire (Rayon Sports), Gueulette Samuel Leopold (La Louvière)

Fowards: Innocent Nshuti (Sabail FK), Didier Mugisha (Police FC), Yves Habimana (Rutsiro), Rafael York (Zed FC), Djabel Manishimwe (Naftal Wassat), Hakim Sahabo (Beerschot), Anicet Ishimwe (Olympique Beja)
 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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