By Atoyebi Nike
Rwanda’s head coach, Adel Amrouche, has released a 27-man provisional squad ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, who has become a standout for the Amavubi and kept a clean sheet against the Super Eagles in a 2024 AFCON qualifier, headlines the list.
Domestic champions APR FC dominate the squad with five players: goalkeeper Pierre Ishimwe, defenders Alex Nduwayo, Claude Niyomugabo, Fitina Ombalenga, and forward Gilbert Mugisha.
Rwanda will face Nigeria on September 6 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, before taking on Zimbabwe on September 9 at the Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg.
The Amavubi currently sit second in Group C with eight points, level with Benin, five behind leaders South Africa, and just one point ahead of Nigeria in fourth place. With the group still wide open, these fixtures could prove decisive in Rwanda’s bid to qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup.