Injury scares in Rwanda ahead of W/Cup qualifiers against Super Eagles

Nigeria to know AFCON opponents on Tuesday
Rwanda star defender, Emmanuel Manishimwe Mangwende, may have been knocked out by a knee injury ahead of the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles. The match will hold on March 17 in Kigali.

The Amavubi top the group with seven points, four ahead of the Super Eagles, who have just three points from four matches. The Bafana Bafana of South Africa and The Cheetahs of Benin Republic also have seven points from four games in the group, while Lesotho have five points. Zimbabwe is sitting at the bottom with two pints.

However, a recent update from Rwanda revealed that Mangwende has suffered a knee injury. His club, AEL Limassol in Cyprus, confirmed late Tuesday that he would be sidelined for at least two months.

The Super Eagles qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico appears to be a tall order, based on Nigeria’s poor standing in the group. However, some football analysts believe the Super Eagles should be able to capitalise on Mangwende’s absence to revive their hope on March 17 in Kigali.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles will know their group opponents in Rabat, Morocco, on Tuesday, January 27, when the draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations takes place.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that Rabat will host the draw on Tuesday.

The tournament will feature six groups, each with four teams. The top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams will progress to the Round of 16.

At the draw in Rabat, participating nations will also have the chance to evaluate match venues, training facilities, and hotel accommodations in Morocco in preparation for the competition.

The AFCON 2025