Rwanda name new head coach ahead of crunch World Cup qualifier against Super Eagles

The Rwandan Football Federation (FERWAFA) have announced the appointment of Adel Amrouche as their men’s national team head coach ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualification game against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Footynaija.com reports.

Amrouche takes charge of a side who have been without a head coach since December 2024 after former Rwanda national team manager Thorstein Spitller reportedly declined the opportunity to renew his contract with the East African nation upon its expiration.

The Algerian is a vastly experienced manager who is well versed with the climate of African football, having coached the likes of Equatorial Guinea, Burundi, Kenya, Libya, Botswana and Tanzania.

His latest task is to guide the Amavubi as they look to successfully navigate their 2026 World Cup qualifying group which include stern opposition from the likes South Africa, Nigeria, Benin Republic, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. He will be joined in Rwanda’s dugout by Eric Nshimiyimana and Dr. Carolin Braun, who will serve as his first and second assistant coaches.

Rwanda currently top Group C thanks to their superior goal-difference, having amassed the same number of points (7) as South Africa and Benin Republic in second and third place respectively.

Amrouche’s first challenge in charge of the Amavubi will come against another new head coach in Super Eagles’ Eric Chelle as Nigeria and Rwanda are set to clash in Kigali on March 19 and both managers will be desperate to get their various reigns off to a winning start.

The Super Eagles will be especially desperate to record their first win of the qualifying campaign, having endured a difficult start which saw them record three draws and one defeat.