Rwanda has commenced preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with the national team, the Amavubi, regrouping on Monday. Among the new faces in Frank Spittler’s squad is forward Ani Elijah, who is eager to make his mark and contribute to the team’s success.
Elijah, a significant addition to the squad, joins the Rwandan national team after an impressive season in the Ugandan Premier League.
With 15 goals to his name, he finished as the league’s top scorer, alongside Victor Mbaoma. Originally Nigerian, Elijah has opted to represent Rwanda, a decision that has been warmly welcomed by the team.
Rwanda currently tops Group C, having secured four points from two matches—a draw against Zimbabwe and a 2-0 victory over South Africa in November 2023. As the team gears up for their upcoming fixtures against Benin and Lesotho, Elijah’s inclusion is seen as a crucial reinforcement.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Elijah told Times Sport, “I am in camp with the team and I am happy to represent the country.
I will do my best to hopefully qualify for the 2026 World Cup.” His commitment to the team and his readiness to contribute to Rwanda’s World Cup campaign reflect his determination and optimism.
Elijah’s transition to the Rwandan national team was smooth, partly because he had not previously been capped at any level by Nigeria.
This facilitated his integration into the Amavubi squad for the World Cup qualifiers. The team commenced their training on Monday, conducting two sessions daily at the Ntare School football field.
The upcoming fixtures are crucial for Rwanda’s World Cup aspirations. The Amavubi will face Benin on June 6, followed by a match against Lesotho on June 11.
With Elijah’s recent form and the team’s strong start in the qualifiers, there is a sense of optimism surrounding Rwanda’s chances.
As Ani Elijah prepares to don the Rwandan jersey for the first time, his presence is expected to bolster the team’s attacking options.
His journey from the Ugandan Premier League to the international stage with Rwanda underscores the dynamic and unpredictable nature of football.
Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as Elijah aims to lead the Amavubi to new heights in their quest for World Cup qualification.
