Rwanda provisional squad for WCQ v Nigeria: Roster dominated by APR, Kaizer Chiefs star in

Rwanda head coach Adel Amrouche has announced a 27-man provisional squad ahead of his side's 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

An analysis of the squad list revealed that three goalkeepers, nine defenders, six midfielders and nine forwards are in contention to be named in the final list. 

The roster is headlined by Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, who has faced the Super Eagles three times in the past year and kept a clean sheet in an African Cup of Nations qualifier in September 2024. 

Rwandan champions APR dominate the call-up with five representatives — goalkeeper Pierre Ishimwe, defenders Alex Nduwayo, Claude Niyomugabo and Fitina Ombalenga, plus forward Gilbert Mugisha..

Rwanda will face Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 6, before heading to Johannesburg to meet Zimbabwe at Orlando Stadium on September 9.

The Wasps currently second in Group C on eight points, level with Benin, five behind leaders South Africa, and just one point ahead of fourth-placed Nigeria.

Rwanda's provisional squad for World Cup qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Fiacre Ntwali (Kaizer Chiefs), Clement Buhake (Ull/Kisa) and Pierre Ishimwe (APR)

Defenders: Alex Nduwayo (APR), Claude Niyomugabo (APR), Fitina Ombalenga (APR), Emmanuel Nshimiyimana (Rayon Sports), Ange Mutsinzi (Zira Futubul Clubu), Darrly Nganji Nkurikiyimana (Standard de Liege), Thierry Manzi (Al Ahly Tripoli) and Phanuel Kavita Mabaya (Birmingham).

Midfielders: Djihadi Bizimana (Al Ahly Tripoli), Bonheur Mugisha (AL Masry), Bryan Clovis Ngwabije (Dieppe FC), Claude Smith Kayitaba (Bedford Town), Kevin Muhire (Jamus), and Christian Mukudju (Elite Football Club)

Forwards: Gilbert Mugisha (APR), Aly Enzo Hamon (Angouleme CFC), Anicet Ishimwe (Olympique Beja), Arthur Gitego (FUS Rabat), Jojea Kwizera (Rhode Island), Innocent Nshuti ( ES Zarzis), Abeddy Biramahire (ES Setif), Djabilu Ishimwe (Etincelles) and David Niyo (SC Kiyovu)

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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