Man-mark Osimhen, gives Lookman no luxury of finding space: Rwanda newspaper give Amavubi coach, Amrouche key to clipping Super Eagles wings in Kigali

Rwanda major newspaper, the New Times has given new Amavubi of Rwanda gaffer, Adel Amrouche how he can clip the Suoer Eagles’ wings when both teams clash on Friday in a matchday five of the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Amahoro stadium in Kigali.

The Nigerians are yet to win in each of their last three visits to Kigali and the New Times is confident it can be extended to four if Amrouche applies the five things it has suggested the coach should do.

The newspaper wants Amrouche and Amavubi to take control of the midfield which is regarded in football as the engine room of any team.

‘The last time Rwanda hosted Nigeria in Kigali was in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers on September 10, 2024 in a game which ended 0-0.

The game saw Rwandan midfield trio Bonheur Mugisha, Djihad Bizimana and Kevin Muhire running the show.

They outclassed the likes of Wilfried Ndidi, Dele-Bashiru and Bruno Onyemaechi though the Rwandan attack looked blunt on the day.

On Friday, Rwanda has the tendency to control the midfield again and once they prove superior in that department, it will reduce the pressure which the opponent may mount,’ wrote the newspaper who also want the Algerian gaffer to spread the game to the wings.

‘The majority of Amavubi’s most recent goals have been scored from crosses where Innocent Nshuti scored [against Libya and Nigeria] from the wings.

Amrouche will be without left back Emmanuel Imanishimwe who did the damage in Uyo but, in his absence, Amavubi has a formidable replacement in Claude Niyomugabo.

‘On his day, the APR skipper is unplayable and can mesmerize any full back on the flanks.

Amavubi should get the ball to the flanks as both Niyomugabo and Fitina Omborenga can deliver dangerous crosses for Nshuti.’

The newspaper knows how dangerous reigning African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman can be and has suggested the 27-year-old Atalanta forward should not be giben any space to operate.

‘Lookman is dangerous, and he showed it when the two teams last met in Kigali. The Atalanta forward is not only a goal scorer but a ball juggler who can torment the opposing team’s defense.

Whether Eric Chelle uses Lookman as a number 10 or from the wings, Amavubi players shouldn’t give him space to operate as he can settle the game with one moment of brilliance.

They should stop him and always a keen eye on him any time he has the ball so that he doesn’t go solo.’

The Amavubi should also be proactive in the Nigeria penalty box, says the newspaper.

‘Nshuti should be attentive as Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has a problem which is always spilling or punching balls before trying to grab it firmly again.

Amavubi has the likes of Djihad Bizimana and others who have power to hit balls from long range. Nshuti, in particular, should be lurking inside the penalty box as he can score from rebounds.’

Finally, the New Times advised Amrouche he should detail a man to follow Victor Osimhen all arund the pitch.

‘During the previous match at the same venue last year, it was Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari against Nigeria’s menacing attack. Ntwari pulled as many as 11 brilliant saves to keep his side in the game.

‘Osimhen came into that game in the second half and had three good chances saved by Ntwari. The Galatasaray striker is likely to start on Friday and center backs Ange Mutsinzi and Thierry Manzi must man-mark him.

‘They shouldn’t give Osimhen any room to operate as he just needs one chance to cause havoc. He will be coming into the game like a wounded lion and the Amavubi guardsmen should be able to frustrate him.’