Nigeria's Super Eagles might get a silver lining in the World Cup qualifiers as Rwanda face a cloud of uncertainty with the future of their German coach, Frank Spittler, unresolved.
With his contract having expired on 31 December, 2024, Rwanda's football authorities have yet to offer an extension, leaving the possibility open that Spittler might not be in charge when Nigeria visit Kigali for the next round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March.
This development could present an opportunity for the Super Eagles, who are in dire need of a turnaround in their qualification campaign.
Nigeria currently sits fifth in the six-team group with just three points from four matches, while Rwanda tops the table on goal difference, ahead of South Africa and Benin.
Spittler: Rwanda loss could be Super Eagles' gain
The last encounter between the two teams saw Rwanda stun Nigeria with a 2-1 victory at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo,.
Since taking over the Amavubi, Spittler has been a transformative figure, overseeing a commendable improvement in their performances.
Appointed just two weeks before the World Cup qualifiers began, the German coach's acumen has been bolstered by Rwanda's quick start to the series, as well as by taking four points off Nigeria in AFCON qualifying.
Rwanda narrowly missed out on a place at AFCON 2025 due to Benin's superior goal difference.
Under his leadership, the Amavubi played 14 matches, recording six wins, four draws, and four losses, with 13 goals scored and just nine conceded—a significant improvement for a side historically considered underdogs.
Should Spittler's tenure end without renewal, the uncertainty surrounding a potential new coach could disrupt Rwanda’s momentum, ceding the advantage to the Super Eagles in March.
