World Cup 2026: For Adel Amrouche, Nigeria must live up to its status

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·12 ottobre 2025

World Cup 2026: For Adel Amrouche, Nigeria must live up to its status

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World Cup 2026: For Adel Amrouche, Nigeria must live up to its status

OneFootball Video

Just days before the final qualifying match against South Africa, Rwanda head coach Adel Amrouche opened up about the Amavubi's campaign finale and shared his thoughts on Nigeria’s situation in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Still reeling from the last-minute defeat to Benin in Kigali, the Algerian tactician did not hide his frustration:

I am still very disappointed about losing to Benin in the final minutes of our match in Kigali. I really wanted to pull off a surprise and qualify Rwanda for the 2026 World Cup. But that’s football: now we have to get ready for our game against South Africa.

Despite the setback, Amrouche remains clear-headed and is already looking ahead. For him, the clash against Bafana Bafana presents an opportunity to end on a positive note and keep building for the future. When also questioned by Osasu Obayiuwana about Nigeria’s current struggles in their group, the Rwandan coach didn’t mince his words:

If I were coaching a team like the Super Eagles, with the quality of players they have, my minimum target would be to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup. Qualifying for the World Cup shouldn’t even be a problem.

With this statement, Adel Amrouche underlines that with such a wealth of talent, Nigeria must live up to its international reputation. Their upcoming encounter against Benin on Tuesday will be closely watched, even though their fate is no longer entirely in their own hands.

Just finished chatting with @RwandaAmavubi coach @AdelAmrouche5, now in South Africa, ahead of their final #FIFAWCQ game against @BafanaBafana on Tuesday. Excerpts: “I am still gutted that we lost to #Benin in the final minutes of our game in Kigali. I really wanted to surprise
– sabato 11 ottobre 2025