Rwanda head coach, Adel Amarouche, has selected 13 foreign-based professionals for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Friday.
Captain Bizimana Djihad, who plays as a defensive midfielder for Libyan club Al Ahli SC and his home team Rwanda, made it to the list.
Midfielder Mugisha Bonheur of Stade Tunisien (Tunisia), striker Ishimwe Anicet who plays for Olympique Beja in Morocco and defender Manzi Thierry is a teammate of skipper Djihad at Ahli Tripoli.
The provisional squad to be cut down this week also has Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa goalkeeper Ntwari Fiacre, who was Man of the Match when Rwanda held the Super Eagles to a scoreless draw last year in Kigali.
The Super Eagles will meet Rwanda’s New coach, Adel Amarouche for the first time on March 21 in Kigali in continuation of their quest to qualify for the World Cup next year.
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Nigeria, on three points, are fifth with Zimbabwe below, while Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin Republic lead Group C with seven points. Lesotho is on four points fourth.
Coach Amarouche, a midfielder in his playing days, replaced German Thorsten Spittler, whose contract was not renewed when it ran out late last year.
The 56-year-old Amaroucche previously handled various African countries including Tanzania, Botswana, Libya, Kenya and Equatorial Guinea.
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Meanwhile, Super Eagles have been boosted ahead of crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying clash with Rwanda after Captain William Ekong returned to action for Saudi Arabian club Al Kholood after his injury.
Ekong played the entire match for his club to beat Al Khaleej 2-1 Saturday night.
The 31-year-old defender had missed his team’s two previous league games due to what officials described as “minor injury”.